Effects of alpha-blocker on sperm concentration, motility, intraluminal pressure and fluid movement in the rat cauda epididymis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether alpha blocker has an effect on epididymal sperm parameters, intraluminal pressure and fluid movement.


METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily oral doses 1 mg./kg., 2 mg./kg., or 10 mg./kg. of Bunazosin, a selective alpha blocker, for 1 month. A micropuncture technique was used to collect intraluminal fluids.


RESULTS
Epididymal sperm concentrations were significantly increased. Progressive motility of spermatozoa was not altered. Intraluminal pressures were significantly reduced, and intraluminal fluid movement rates were significantly increased.


CONCLUSIONS
Alpha blocker has an effect on sperm transport and storage in the rat testis and epididymis.
Hibi
H
H
Department of Urology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
Yamamoto
M
M
Miyake
K
K
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000187:drug effects*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D011312:Pressure; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000187:drug effects*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D011799:Quinazolines; C018176:bunazosin