Chronic exposure to MDMA (ecstasy) increases DNA damage in sperm and alters testes histopathology in male rats.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") is consumed mainly by young population. For this reason, it is especially relevant to take into consideration the effects on the reproductive system. The influence of MDMA on the fertility and reproduction of the male rat was assessed in this study. MDMA was administered subcutaneously at 0 mg/kg (control), 0.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg to SD male rats once a day, 3 consecutive days a week during 12 weeks, simulating human weekend associated consumption. Hormonal, haematological, biochemical, histological, genotoxicological and testicular and sperm parameters were evaluated in half of the rats. The remaining animals were mated with untreated sexually receptive females to evaluate the mating and pregnancy rates. A significantly higher incidence of DNA damage in Comet Test in sperm, tubular degeneration and interstitial oedema in testes was found. At all doses tested, sperm motility, morphology, mating and pregnancy rates, and number of implantation sites were not affected. This study fills the existing gap of knowledge about the chronic effects of MDMA in reproductive function using a realistic experimental design. Taking into account the higher sensitivity of human males, some concerns about the effects on the reproductive health still remain.
Barenys
Marta
M
Toxicology Unit, Public Health Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII s/n, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
Macia
Nuria
N
Camps
Lydia
L
de Lapuente
Joaquin
J
Gomez-Catalan
Jesus
J
Gonzalez-Linares
Javier
J
Borras
Miquel
M
Rodamilans
Miguel
M
Llobet
Juan M
JM
D000818:Animals; D004249:DNA Damage; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D013076:Sperm Count; D013087:Spermatids / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine