Lithium carbonate inducing disorders in three parameters of rat sperm.
BACKGROUND
Lithium has a significant impact in reducing the symptoms of bipolar mania but in long periods of use with therapeutic doses can cause several disorders in various organs including the reproductive system. In this study, the effect of lithium on the sperm concentration and motility and forms of abnormal cells has been examined.


METHODS
Male Wistar rats under the 48-day treatment with lithium carbonate at doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg bw/day were kept in standard conditions. At the end of this period, sperm cells isolated from the cauda epididymis were counted, motility was estimated, and stained with smear papanicolaou stain.


RESULTS
In lithium-treated groups, the rate of spermatogenesis and sperm quality were reduced and was seen in a dose-dependent manner.


CONCLUSIONS
Lithium alters intracellular signaling pathways such as inositol phosphate metabolic cycle and cyclic adenosine mono phosphate (cAMP) system and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. It also interferes in the division of sex cells to produce mature sperm and showed changes in the sperm cell membrane, function, and structure.
Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Science and Research University, Isfahan, Iran.
Shima
S
Toghyani
Gholam R
GR
Dashti
Nasim Hayati
NH
Roudbari
Shaila
S
Rouzbehani
Ramesh
R
Monajemi
Lithium carbonate; morphology; motility; sperm concentration