Effect of tamoxifen treatment on the semen quality and fertility of the male rat

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of tamoxifen treatment on the seminal quality and fertility of the male Wistar rat.DesignExperimental prospective study.SettingAnimal research and university laboratory facility.Subject(s)Seventy-five-day-old male and female Wistar rats.Intervention(s)Sperm quality parameters were assayed in seminal and epididymal sperm samples in control and treated rats at a dose of 0.4 mg tamoxifen/kg per day. In addition, mating studies were performed, and different fertility parameters were assayed.Result(s)Tamoxifen treatment significantly decreased sperm concentration and motility in seminal and epididymal sperm. Sperm viability and hypo-osmotic swelling test results were shown not to be altered. The copulatory plug was absent or severely impaired in tamoxifen-treated males. When mating experiments were performed, a significant decrease in the fertility index and increased percentages of preimplantation and postimplantation embryo loss were also observed.Conclusion(s)Tamoxifen treatment significantly altered sperm quality in seminal and epididymal sperm. These alterations were present in testis and epididymis, and additional negative effects on the sexual accessory glands were observed. Finally, these alterations were capable of seriously compromising fertility ability of these male rats.