Nimesulide induced histopathological changes in the vas deferens of mice.

AIM Nimesulide, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor has 20 times more selectivity towards COX-2 than that of COX-1. COX-2 selective inhibitors cause frequent nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity following their usage. This proposes a physiological role of COX-2 in kidney and liver. Not much attention has been focused on the role of COX-2 with respect to reproduction especially in male reproduction, and the available information is scanty. AIMs and Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the adverse effects of nimesulide in the vas deferens thereby indirectly assess the role of COX-2 in male reproductive tract. MATERIAL AND METHODS Nimesulide was administered orally and the animals were maintained for different time periods prior to sacrifice. RESULTS The vas deferens of nimesulide treated mice showed extensive histopathological changes such as vacoulation and exfoliation of cells in the epithelial layer. CONCLUSION Nimesulide administration leads to cytotoxic effects suggestive of apoptosis in the vas deferens of mice.