Effect of Sulpiride on Translocator Protein (TSPO) Gene Expression and Histomorphometric Indices in the Testis of Rats under Physical or Psychological Stress

Introduction: It is well established that stress or the use of sulpiride, an antipsychotic, disrupts the reproductive system. Translocator protein (TSPO) in the mitochondrial membrane of steroidogenic tissues, such as gonads, is involved in the regulation of steroid hormone production by transporting cholesterol into the mitochondria. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of stress and sulpiride on changes in TSPO gene expression and testicular histology. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, receiving saline and sulpiride (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Each group was divided into three subgroups: control, psychological stress, and physical stress. Physical stress (electricity current: -0.5 Hz, -2 mA, -48v) or psychological stress (observation of rats under physical stress) was induced using a communication box for 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, the relative expression of TSPO gene in the testis was assessed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and measurement of testicular histomorphometric indices and serum testosterone concentration. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test in SPSS. Results: Stress caused testicular tissue damage and significan  decrease in the TSPO expression and testosterone, compared to the control group (physical stress P…., psycologic stress P…). Besides reducing the number of germ cells drastically, sulpiride administration led to the destruction and disruption of the epithelium of seminiferous tubules, increased interstitial space of the testicular tissue, and further reduction of TSPO and testosterone. Conclusion: Both physical and psychological stress led to testicular damage, besides decreasing the TSPO expression and serum testosterone concentration. Sulpiride administration mainly increased the adverse effects of stress on reproduction system, suggesting the side effects of this drug.