Impact of Testosterone Propionate on Semen Quality and Endocrine Profile in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the impact of testosterone propionate on semen quality and endocrine profile in male wistar rats. Study Design:  Thirty-five (35) male wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were divided into seven groups (n =7) of five rats per group. Group 1, the normal control received feed and water only. The test groups 2-7 received different doses of testosterone propionate for varying periods. Groups 2 and 3 received 3mg/kg b. wt of TP for 11days and 22 days respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received 6mg/kg b. wt of TP for 11 days and 22 days respectively. Groups 6 and 7 received 9mg/kg b. wt of TP for 11 days and 22 days respectively. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Faculty of basic medical sciences animal house, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers state, Nigeria. Between October 2024 to March 2025 Methodology: The rats were subjected to 24 hours fasting prior to sacrifice. Blood samples were collected and used to determine hormonal assay. Seminal fluid was extracted from the rats’ epididymis and was examined microscopically for spermatozoa evaluation.  Results: the induced groups with testosterone propionate showed a significant(P =.05) decrease in sperm motility and total sperm count when compared to the normal control group 1. Whereas the concentration of testosterone was elevated in all the testosterone induced groups when compared to the normal control group1, FSH and LH levels decreased in the induced groups when compared with the normal control group1 (P =.05) The histology of the testis shows varied degrees of histological distortions in the testosterone induced groups when compared with normal control group 1. Conclusion: The rat’s induction with testosterone propionate resulted in dysregulation of both semen quality and hormonal parameters.