RIBAVIRIN EXPOSURE INDUCES MORPHOMETRIC CHANGES IN THE SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES OF TESTES IN ALBINO RATS

Study Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe and compare, seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) and seminiferous epithelial height (SEH) of testes of rat, with different doses of Ribavirin at different time intervals. Introduction: The chemical disturbances may affect a vast number of potential sites in male reproductive system as well as its complex hormonal regulation. Testicular toxicity may reduce the fertility of the male. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ribavirin on the tubular diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules in the testes of albino rats. Materials and Methods: Seventy two sexually mature adult male albino rats weighing 180 – 200 gms were divided into four groups: A, B, C and D; each group having 18 rats. Ribavirin was administered intraperitoneally in different doses to these groups that were 20 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg/ kg body weight, while group A was control. Each group was further divided into three subgroups according to three time points which were selected for sacrifice that were 20th, 40th and 60th day from the last exposure to drug. Six randomly selected rats from each group were sacrificed every time. Results and Conclusion: A decrease in the values of seminiferous tubular diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules was noticed in comparison to control groups, on 20th day of sacrifice in all experimental groups. In rats sacrificed on day 40th and 60th, the signs of recovery were observed that were more marked in low dose groups than high dose groups which showed late recovery. We conclude that Ribavirin being used as antiviral drug induces reversible degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules of testes of albino rats.