Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3965629 | Journal of Reproduction and Contraception | 2010 | 16 Pages |
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible protective role of melatonin on the proliferative activity, and apoptosis of germ cells in chemotherapy-induced spermiotoxicity.MethodsMale adult NMRI mice were divided into four groups. Then each group was divided into two subgroups of a and b. Group A (control): mice received vehicle (1% ethanol) for 5 d. Group B (busulfan): mice received a single dose of 20 mg/kg busulfan. Group C (melatonin): mice received melatonin (10 mg/kg) for 5 d. Group D (busulfan+melatonin): mice received a 5-day course of melatonin (10 mg/kg) following an initial dose of busulfan (20 mg/kg). Evaluations were made using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling and in situ TUNEL assay after 5 d (subgroup a) or 35 d (subgroup b).ResultsBusulfan-treated mice both in subgroups a and b, showed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01) and decrease in BrdU labeling index (P<0.01) compared with controls. Melatonin in group C significantly decreased BrdU labeling index compared with the control (P<0.01). Melatonin in group D significantly reduced apoptosis rate and increased BrdU labeling index compared with group B.ConclusionMelatonin may have a protective effect against busulfan-induced testicular damage, partly by decreasing of apoptosis and alteration in proliferative activity of germ cells.