Effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on spermatogenesis of male rats

Objective: Evaluation of the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on spermatogenesis in male rats. Materials and Methods: The RH strain of T. gondii tachyzoites were injected interaperitoneally in an infected group of ۳۵ rats, while ۲۱ rats were used as controls. Each ten days from ۱۰- ۷۰ days of post-infection (PI), ۵ rats from infected group and ۳ rats from control group were scarified. The percentage of body weight to testis weight ratio (BTR) as well as sperm parameters and fructose levels in seminal vesicles and coagulating glands (SVCG) were investigated. An IgG ELISA kit was designed for serologic diagnosis of infection in the rats. Results: All rats injected with T. gondii tachyzoites were infected from ۱۰-۷۰ PI. Sperm motility from ۱۰-۷۰ PI, sperm viability from ۱۰-۶۰ PI and sperm concentration from ۲۰-۶۰ PI were significantly decreased in the infected group (P<۰.۰۵); sperm abnormality was significantly increased in the infected group on days ۳۰, ۴۰ and ۵۰ PI (P < ۰.۰۵). BTR in the infected group was not significantly changed compared to control group (P>۰.۰۵). Fructose level in SVCG in the infected group was significantly decreased on days ۱۰-۵۰ PI (P < ۰.۰۵) compared to control. Conclusion: According to the results, toxoplasmosis can cause impermanent impairment on the spermatogenesis in the male rats.

Keywords:

Toxoplasma gondii , spermatogenesis , Male Rat , توکسوپلاسما گوندی , اسپرماتوژنز , رت نر