The Effects of Opium Administration on Histology of Testes and Spermatogenesis Indexes in Adult Male Rats

Background: Opium, as the most widely known opioid in the world, has significant effects on reproductive organs, which can affect fertility and influence the next generation. This study was performed to investigate the effects of opium administration on histological changes and spermatogenesis indexes in the testis of adult male rats. Methods:A total of 50 adult male Wistar rats were used. Animals were divided into 5 groups (n=10). Control (intact), Vehicle (received saline for 7 and 14 days) and Opium (received 2 mg/kg opium i.p. For 7 and 14 days) groups. Sample of testes were stained by H&E;, then the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Leydig cells were counted and spermatogenesis indexes which included tubular differentiation index (TDI), spermatogenesis index (SI), repopulation index (RI) and means of seminiferous tubules diameter (MSTD) were determined. Results: In opium groups, the number of seminiferous tubules cells and spermatogenesis decreased compared with the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, the results showed that TDI, SI, RI and STD parameters significantly decreased in 7th and 14th days, compared with the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The data showed the adverse effects of opium administration (for 7 and 14 days) on spermatogenesis and its indexes in rat testis tissue. The underlying mechanisms need further investigation.