Dam-Progeny Sequels, Sperm Quality and Serum Gonadotropins Concentration in Caricapapaya Extract-Treated Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: The ability to avert conception is the exclusive quintessence of a contraceptive agent. Using the treated male as subject, the fertilityratio (FR) is defined as the proportionof femalesthat can be impregnated after a constantperiod of confinement.

Objective: This work investigated the FR in male Sprague-Dawley(S-D) rats administered Caricapapayabark extract (CPBE) and assessed the corresponding seminal fluid, hormonal profile, body and testicular weights.

Materials and Methods: Sixty mature 6 weeks old male S-D rats were used in this study. They were divided into 3 treatment intervals: 4, 8 and 16 weeks (recovery) comprising20 rats each. The animals were administered4-5 ml distilled water, 50 (low dose) and 100(high dose) mglkglday ofCPBE respectively. Half'(IO rats) were made to cohabit with two 4-day estrus cycling female. The males were removed on the morning of estrus, weighed and sacrificed. Blood was obtained for hormonal analysis and cauda epididymides incised for seminal fluid analysis. The prospective pregnant females were sacrificed on day 20 and foetuses counted. They were also evaluated for possible reversibility effect of the CPBE.

Results: None ofthe experimental male rats was able to fertilize the female rats exposed to them despite successful mating. There were significant decreases (p<0.05) in the serum gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormonelFSH and luteinizing hormoneILH), sperm count and motility. Only those treated with low dose reversed after 8 week recovery period.

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in this study, CPBE possesses male contraceptive effect at the low dose of 50 mglkgl day.