Antifertility effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil in male rats by single intra-vas administration: an alternate approach to vasectomy.
An alternate approach to vasectomy for long-term male contraception following a single intra-vas application of a traditional plant (Azadirachta indica) product having immunomodulatory properties is described. Male Wistar rats of proven fertility were given a single dose (50 microliters) of neem oil in the lumen of the vas deferens on each side; control animals received the same volume of peanut oil. Animals were put on continuous mating 4 weeks after the treatment, with females of proven fertility. While the control animals impregnated the female partners, all males treated with neem oil remained infertile throughout the 8 months of observation period. Epididymal and vas histology were normal without any inflammatory changes or obstruction. The intra-vas administration of neem oil resulted in a block of spermatogenesis without affecting testosterone production; the seminiferous tubules, although reduced in diameter, appeared normal and contained mostly early spermatogenic cells. No anti-sperm antibody could be detected in the serum. Unilateral administration of neem oil in the vas resulted in a significant reduction of testicular size and spermatogenic block only on the side of application; the draining lymph node cells of the treated side also showed enhanced proliferative response to in vitro mitogen challenge. These results indicate that the testicular effects following intra-vas application of neem oil may possibly be mediated by a local immune mechanism.
Upadhyay
S N
SN
National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
Dhawan
S
S
Talwar
G P
GP
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D000917:Antibody Formation; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000592:standards; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004822:Epididymis / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005989:Glycerides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000592:standards; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000592:standards; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology; D013729:Terpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000166:cytology; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000592:standards
D000906:Antibodies; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D005989:Glycerides; D010938:Plant Oils; D013729:Terpenes; C002443:neem oil