Protective Role of Magnesium Sulphate in Dexamethasone induced Histopathological Alteration in Spermatogenic Cells of Albino Rats

Abstract

Objective: This study has been undertaken to assess the spermatoprotective role of magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) on the histology of the seminiferous tubules in dexamethasone induced spermatogenic cells damage in albino rats.

Study Design: Prospective experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi from April 2012 to May 2012.

Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats of 90-120 days of age and around 200-250 grams of weight were selected and divided into three groups (A, B&C). Each group comprising of ten rats. Group-A served as control, group-B was given dexamethasone (Dexa) at the dose of 4mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 20 days. Group-C was administered MgSO₄ at the dose of 20mg/kg/day intramuscularly and Dexa at the same dose as given in group- B. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the experimental period and histopathological changes in the germ cells were recorded.

Results: The microscopic examination of group-B rats revealed marked changes in most of the seminiferous tubules such as, vacuolization, detachment of basement membrane, atrophy, sloughing, widening of the interstitial spaces & disorganization of the spermatogenic cells series. Group-C which was protected with magnesium sulphate, showed restoration of basement membrane and spermatogenic cell series.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) administration reduced the damaging effects of dexamethasone in testes.