Investigation of the Effects of Isotretinoin on Spermatogenesis in Balb/c Mice

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the effect of isotretinoin (ISR), a retinoid derivative of vitamin A, on spermatogenesis via follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels.

Methods: Twelve male Balb/c mice were divided into two groups: Control and ISR groups. FSH, LH and testosterone levels were biochemically determined by ELISA assay. All statistical analyses were made with SPSS 20.0 (IBM, New York, USA) and graphics were prepared with Graph Pad Prism Version 6.01 (USA). The parametric Student's t-test was applied for comparison among groups. A p value <= 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

Results: Mean FSH, LH and testosterone levels were increased in the ISR group when compared to those of control group. The increases in all hormone levels were found statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The increase in serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone of the ISR group compared to the control group suggests that a dose of 40 mg/kg of ISR may have stimulant effect on spermatogenesis.