Tamoxifen induced multinucleated cells (symplasts) and distortion of seminiferous tubules in rat testis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of tamoxifen citrate on male reproductive system of rat.


METHODS
Groups of male rats were gavaged with tamoxifen at doses of 200 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 400 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) or 800 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) in 0.1 mL olive oil for 10 consecutive days. Controls were treated with 0.1 mL olive oil. Rats were anesthetized and killed on d 3, d 15 or d 35 after the last dose. Testes were collected, processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned at 5 microm thickness, stained with HE and analyzed microscopically.


RESULTS
There was a dose-dependent increase in the occurrence of seminiferous tubular distortion with germinal cell sloughing. The highest dose increased the number of multinucleated giant cells on d 3 and d 15.


CONCLUSIONS
Tamoxifen citrate induces multinucleated giant cells and germinal epithelial sloughing in a dose-dependent manner and these changes are detrimental to male fertility.
D'Souza
Urban J A
UJ
Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, PPSP University Science Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. dsouza@kb.usm.my
D000818:Animals; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015726:Giant Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000633:toxicity*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D013629:Tamoxifen