Studies of Estrogen and Progesterone on Testicular Functions in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus Novergicus)

Oestrogen is produced in sizable quantities in the testis, as well as the brain. Progesterone enhances libido, sperm count, improves mood, and keeps weight down while increasing muscle mass. This study investigated some of the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on the testis of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult male wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups (A-D) (n=5) and drugs were administered to the rats as follows: Group A received 1ml of distilled water per day, group B received 5 mg/kg b.w. of Stilbestrol per day, group C received 0.5 mg/kg b.w. of Lynestrenol per day while group D received 5 mg/kg body weight of Stilbestrol and 0.5 mg/kg b.w. of Lynestrenol. Histological, testicular histomorphometry, hormonal and semen parameters were observed. Histological evaluations for group (B-D) showed elongated seminiferous tubules, degeneration of the basement membrane, severe thinning of sertoli cells, reduced number of spermatogenic cells, wide interstitial space and scanty leydig cells. Biochemical analyses revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the experimental groups (B-D) when compared to the control group. Semen analysis showed that there was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in Sperm Motility and Life and Death ratio (L/D) in all experimental groups while significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm morphology was observed in groups B and C while no significant differences (P>0.05) was observed in sperm count in the treatment groups compared with control group. These findings suggest that Stilbestrol and lynestrenol administrations had deleterious effects on testicular cell morphology.