P-48: Nicotine Alters Both Somatic and Germ Cells in Adult Mouse Testis

Background: Nicotine as a toxic agent in cigarette has detrimental effects on reproduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of of nicotine on germ and somatic cells in adult mouse testis. Materials and Methods: Male mice were divided into four groups. Group A or controls, groups of B, C and D were treated with nicotine intraperitoneally in doses of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/100 g body weight once daily for 14 days respectively. Evaluations were made by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), determining of mitotic activity of cells by KI-67 staining, and ELISA for assay of serum testosterone levels Results: TEM revealed alterations both in germ and somatic cells in nicotine treated groups. Nicotine in groups of C and D caused to deformity in nucleus, reduced numbers of lipid droplets and mitochondria in leydig cells. Myoid cells had deformed and irregular nucleus in groups of C and D. the signs of apoptosis were recognizable in primary spermatocytes and spermatids in groups of C and D. In group D some sertoli cells had apoptotic bodies. Administration of nicotine in group D, significantly reduced KI-67 index compared with control group. Serum testosterone levels and maturity of spermatogenesis were significantly reduced in groups of C and D in compare with controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that nicotine can affect both on germ and somatic cells in testis. Nicotine induces apoptosis and reduces mitotic activity in male germ cells as a dose dependent manner.