title: Histomorphometric effects of gemcitabine on Swiss albino mice spermatogenesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spermatogenesis is a highly conserved and regulated process and it is sensitive to fluctuations in the physical and chemical environment. Gemcitabine is a novel antimetabolic anticancer drug used frequently in the treatment of many cancers. This study aimed to investigate the histomorphometric effects of gemcitabine on spermatogenesis in Swiss albino mice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gemcitabine in high and low doses (80 and 40 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally to inbred Swiss albino mice. Gross testicular features and seminiferous tubular histomorphometry was studies at the end of 7(th), 14(th) day and at 2 months sperm shape abnormalities were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seminiferous tubular morphology was altered significantly, showing a reduction in height, perimeter and area in a dose dependent manner. Sertoli cell number decreased. Basement membrane thickness was reduced and it appeared to be permanent, with statistically insignificant changes even after 2 months. There was a reduction of intertubular spaces. Sperms have shown banana heading, decapitation and loss of normal hook of head. The effects were partially reversible at the end of 2 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was concluded that gemcitabine affects the process of spermatogenesis adversely in a dose and time dependent manner and the effects are partially reversible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences, Meeyannoor, Kollam, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Viveka
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Udyavar
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Balakrishna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: Santhosh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kuriakose
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences, Meeyannoor, Kollam, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sudha
keywords: Gemcitabine; Sertoli cells; Swiss albino mice; seminiferous tubules; spermatogenesis