Effect of tamoxifen on spermatogenesis and tubular morphology in rats.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To observe the effect of tamoxifen citrate on spermatogenesis and tubular morphology in rats. METHODS: The effect of tamoxifen citrate i.g. at doses of 400 and 800 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) in 0.1 mL olive oil for 30 days on seminiferous tubular morphology, seminiferous epithelial diameter (STD), epithelial height (SEH), epididymal sperm count and percent abnormal sperm were evaluated at day 1, 12 and 36 after treatment. Controls were given the vehicle. RESULTS: The higher dose resulted in tubular atrophy on day 31. The STD, SEH and sperm count were decreased and the abnormal spermatozoa increased in a dose-dependent manner with the maximal effect on day 36. CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen citrate induces tubular shrinkage and atrophy and sperm abnormality at a dose-dependent manner.