Effects of Sulpiride on the Reproductive System of Male Rats after Puberty

Sulpiride is an antipsychotic drug commonly used in humans to mitigate the effects of stress by selectively targeting central dopaminergic receptors. During male rat puberty, neurotransmitter systems, including the dopaminergic system, undergo significant development, playing a crucial role in the release of gonadal hormones and the regulation of reproductive function. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of sulpiride on reproduction parameters in adult male rats. This study used 30 adult male rats with an average body weight of 250-300g and an average age of 90-95 days. The rats were randomly divided into three groups of 10 each. Group 1 (G1) received 10 mg/kg sulpiride, Group 2 (G2) received 25 mg/kg sulpiride, and the control group (G3) received normal saline, all administered via gavage. This study evaluated hematological (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and Follicle-stimulating hormone) and histopathological parameters (spermatogenesis, seminiferous tubules, and total sperm count). The histopathology result of the testes from treated rats revealed significant histological changes. In G1, the seminiferous tubules exhibited destruction, with disrupted spermatogenesis and reduced numbers of sperm in the lumen. These changes were more pronounced in G2, which received the higher dose of sulpiride (25 mg/kg). In contrast, the control group (G3) displayed normal histological structures and spermatogenesis. Hormonal analysis showed a significant decrease in testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in G2 compared to G1 and G3. The hematological results for blood serum showed that the concentration of the hormone prolactin was also significantly increased in G2 treated with 25 mg/kg sulpiride as compared with G1 and G3; the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels did not differ significantly across groups. Sperm motility and concentration were significantly reduced in G2 compared to G1 and G3, accompanied by a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal and dead sperm. Histological findings further confirmed severe destruction of the seminiferous tubules in G2 compared to G1 and the control group. In conclusion, administering sulpiride at concentrations of 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg in adult male rats caused significant structural and functional defects in the seminiferous tubules of the testes.