P-35: Effects of Alcohol and Nicotine Co-Administration on Spermatogenesis in Adolescent Rat Testis

Background: Toxic effect of alcohol and nicotine on the other organs of body has been proven to some extent. Effects of oral alcohol and subcutaneous nicotine co-administration on spermatogenesis in rat are the aim of this study. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy Spauge-Dawley male rats (average weight 160-210 g) were randomly divided to 3 groups (n=10). The animals in the first group received the same volume of vehicle for 50 days and served as control. The second group received daily subcutaneous injection of 0.02 mg nicotine and daily oral gavage with 2 ml 20% Ethanol simultaneously. The third group was intact group received no intervention and served to evaluate probable age changes in the reproductive system and to consider any stress induced by the treatments.Testeswere removed immersed in Bouin’s fixativefor24 hours. The tissue was embedded in paraffin andblocks were prepared in a usual way; 4 Im thicksections were obtained by using a microtome (ShandonFinesse ME +). These were stained with H & E and PAS and examined with a light microscopeat different magnifications. Spermatogenesis was assessed by a methodwhich depended upon scoring ‘cross sectional’ profilesof seminiferous tubules according to Johnsen’scriteria. The criteria use scores from 1 to 10 and are as follows: 10. Complete spermatogenesis with many spermatozoa. 9. Many spermatozoa present but germinal epithelium disorganized with marked sloughing or obliteration of lumen. 8. Only a few spermatozoa. 7. No spermatozo abut many spermatids. 6. No spermatozoa and only a few spermatids. 5. No spermatozoa or spermatids but many spermatocytes. 4. No spermatozoa or spermatids and only a few spermatocytes. 3. Spermatogonia are the only germ cells present. 2. No germ cells but sertoli cells are present. 1. No cells in tubular section. Results: Co-administration of alcohol and nicotine decrease Johnsen’s score (p>0.05). Conclusion: Co-administration of alcohol and nicotine have adverse effect on seminiferous epithelium.