The Protective Effect of Melatonin on Sperm Parameters, Epididymis and Seminal Vesicle Morphology in Adult Mouse Treated with Busulfan

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of melatonin on sperm parameters, epididymis and seminal vesicle morphology in adult mouse under chemotherapy. Male adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups. The control group received a single dose of DMSO, Group 2 received a single dose of busulfan 20 mg/kg. Group 3 was administered melatonin 10 mg/kg for 5 days. Group 4 received a 5 days course of melatonin 10 mg/kg following an initial dose of busulfan 20 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed 35 days after treatment and evaluations were made by determining of sperm count and sperm quality, histological study of epididymis, seminal vesicle and measuring of plasma testosterone level. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tuckey test. Busulfan significantly reduced sperm count, sperm motility and normal morphology and testosterone level in comparison with that of control group (P< 0.01). However, combined treatment increased mentioned parameters in compare with those of chemotherapy treated group (P< 0.01). In histological evaluations busulfan resulted in vacuoles in epithelial thickness of epididymis and reduced epithelial cell height in comparison with that of control group (P< 0.001). Busulfan reduced semen fluid and epithelial folds and epithelial cell height in seminal vesicle in comparison with those of control group (P< 0.001). However, combined treatment, resulted in recovery and normalization of the epididymis and seminal vesicle. Melatonin has protective effect on epididymal sperm parameters, seminal vesicle and epididymis morphology in mouse under treatment with chemotherapy. Although the mechanism is not clear, it acts probably by decreasing oxidative stresses.