Protective effect of melatonin on pituitary- gonadal axis hormones and spermatogenesis in sertraline-induced adult Balb/c mice

Sertraline affects sexual function and fertility. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant with the ability to neutralize medical toxins. The present study was an attempt to investigate the effects of melatonin on tissue changes and pituitary- gonadal axis changes occurring in in Balb/c rats following sertraline induction.

40 male Balb / c mice were randomly assigned into 5 groups: control group (receiving sertraline at dose of 50 mg/kg body weight per day for two weeks) and experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 in which Melatonin was intraperitoneally administered at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight respectively). The experimental groups received melatonin and sertraline every other day and every day for 2 weeks, respectively. 15 days later, gonadal hormone were assessed through direct cardiac blood sampling and testicular histology.

Sertraline-receiving rats, compared to the control group rats, showed a significant decrease in the levels of testosterone, FSH and LH (P˂0/01) and spermatogenesis (P˂0/001) compared to the control group. In experimental groups 2 and 3, Melatonin improved the adverse effects of sertraline on hormones (P˂0/01), gonadal tissue and spermatogenesis maturation process (P˂0/05).

Dose-dependent Melatonin administration can reduce the sertraline-induced effects on the mean serum levels of gonadal hormones and the number of spermatogenic lineage cells in Balb /c male mice.