Carbamazepine-exposure during gestation and lactation affects pubertal onset and spermatic parameters in male pubertal offspring

•Carbamazepine affects steroidogenesis and causes fetal malformation.•We investigate the effects of CBZ on male sexual maturation.•Delay of testicular descent and of preputial separation was observed.•CBZ caused a decrease of testosterone level.•CBZ delays puberty onset and affects steroidogenesis and sperm quality.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an anti-epileptic drug that acts on Leydig cells, affecting steroidogenesis and causes fetal malformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CBZ on male sexual maturation and other male parameters. Rat dams were treated with CBZ during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The anogenital distance (AGD) and the anogenital index (AGI) were obtained. Testicular descent and preputial separation were also evaluated. The offspring was euthanized at PND 41 and 63. The accessory glands were weighed and the testes were collected for histopathological, morphometric and sterological analyses. The numerical density of Leydig cells and hormone dosage were obtained. CBZ caused an increase of AGI and a delay of testicular descent and of preputial separation. CBZ also caused a decrease of testosterone level and of sperm count and an increase of abnormal sperm. These results indicate that CBZ delays puberty onset and affects steroidogenesis and sperm quality.