Effects of L-Arginine and L-Nitro-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) in the First Half of Pregnancy on Embryos and Offspring Testis Tissue Before and After Birth

Considering nitric oxide (NO) as one of the important molecular regulators in genital organs, and according to the critical level of it in establishing a successful pregnancy, we assessed the changes in testis tissue of embryo and offspring via treating pregnant mice.

35 adult female mice, after observing the vaginal plug, were randomly divided into five groups of seven. The first one was the control group. Remaining groups, respectively, received L-Arginin, L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), normal saline, and a mixture of L-Arginin and L–NAME, three days in first half of pregnancy. One day before the delivery, and before maturation, embryos’ and offspring’s testes were removed through laparotomy. Pathological and histological changes of samples were assessed using histotechnique method and general Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining.

In L-NAME group, in addition to disorganization in tissue order, tunica albuginea diameter was considerably increased whereas the number of germ cells was significantly decreased in embryos and offspring. L. Arginine treatment in pregnant mice led to reduce the number of seminiferous tubules and decrease tunica albuginea diameter and dissemination.

Stimulating or inhibiting the synthesis of nitric oxide in pregnant mice can interfere with the organ normal function and influence fertility parameters via causing abnormally and malformations in testis tissue, specially in the next generation.