The Effect of Pentoxiphylin on Histological Changes of Testis and Spermatogenesis Indexes in Mouse Treated With Dexamethasone

Background and Objectives: Dexamethasone is one of the common drugs, which is used in the human severe allergies and can cause defect in the reproductive system by inducing oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of pentoxifylline as a potent antioxidant, was investigated on changes in testicular tissue and spermatogenesis indices in mice treated with dexamethasone.   Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice weighing 35±2g, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6 each group): control, dexamethasone (7mg/kg/day), dexamethasone+pentoxifylline, and pentoxifylline (200mg/kg/day). After 7 days of intraperitoneal injections, the mice were dissected and their right testis, were removed for stereological assessments and estimation of spermatogenesis indices. Then, serum level of testosterone, was measured. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Tukey’s test at the significance level of p<0.05.   Results: The mean total volume of testis, volume of seminiferous tubules, the mean number of spermatocytes, round and long spermatids (p<0.001), leydig cells (p<0.01), also spermatogenesis indices, serum testosterone level (p<0.001), and the body weight (p<0.01) significantly decreased in the dexamethasone group compared to the control group. Also, a significant increase was observed in the volume of interstitial tissue in the dexamethasone group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The above parameters did not show any significant differences in dexamethasone and pentoxifylline co-treated group compared to the control group (p>0.05).   Conclusion: The result of this study revealed that simultaneous treatment with pentoxifylline and dexamethasone can prevent the adverse effects of dexamethasone on testis and spermatogenesis indices.