Morphological changes in the testis induced by diethylcarbamazine.

Abstract

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) had been proved to be highly effective against lymphatic filariasis, however its effect on vertebrate cells remains uncertain. After 12 days treatment with DEC, most of the Leydig cells were hypertrophied with several lipid droplets, and others had no nucleus and presented characteristic steatosis features. Vacuolization of Sertoli cells was also noted. Ultrastructural analyses of DEC-treated testes revealed spermatogonies with morphological characteristics of apoptosis, as shrinkage of cytoplasm and increased chromosomal density. In addition, Leydig cells showed numerous lipid droplets scattered throughout the cytoplasm, multivesicular bodies and giant whorl-like smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Several spermatids presented vacuolated mitochondriae, which were disorganized in relation to the microtubular axis of the flagellae. These results indicate that DEC probably affects the microtubular function, however the present data does not exclude the possibility that DEC also can act directly on enzymatic hormonal pathways.

• Authors: Karina Lidianne Alcântara Saraiva, Valdemiro Amaro Junior Silva, Elisângela Santos Ferreira Dias, Christina Alves Peixoto
• Journal: Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) (Reprod Toxicol) Vol. 22 Issue 4 Pg. 754-9 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 0890-6238 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17005367 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chromatin
• Filaricides
• Lipids
• Diethylcarbamazine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Animals
• Cell Nucleus (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Chromatin (drug effects, metabolism)
• Diethylcarbamazine (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Filaricides (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Intracellular Fluid (drug effects)
• Leydig Cells (drug effects, metabolism, ultrastructure)
• Lipid Mobilization (drug effects)
• Lipids (chemistry)
• Male
• Mice
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
• Mitochondria (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Organelles (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Sertoli Cells (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Spermatids (drug effects, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Spermatogenesis (drug effects)
• Spermatogonia (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Testis (cytology, drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Time Factors
• Vacuoles (drug effects, ultrastructure)