Successful spermatogenesis is dependent on the proper attachment of developing germ cells to Sertoli cells. Manipulation of these interactions by drugs like
Adjudin can hamper the development of germ cells and lead to conditions of temporary
infertility. Although studies have shown the
contraceptive potential of
Adjudin, much is not known about its action in the testis. In this study, we sought to investigate the effect of
Adjudin on the oxidative status of mammalian testis. Adult male rats were administered with a single dose of
Adjudin (50 mg/kg
body weight) by oral gavage and were killed at 1, 2, 4, 7, 15, or 30 days of treatment.
Adjudin caused a significant increase in the production of
hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation from 4 to 7 days
after treatment. There was a significant decrease in the activities of
anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase,
catalase,
glutathione peroxidase and
glutathione S-transferase from 4 to 7 days
after treatment with
Adjudin. However, the state of oxidative stress was less pronounced from 15 to 30 days after
Adjudin treatment. The level of
androgen binding protein (ABP) remained unchanged following
Adjudin treatment. These results show that there is an induction of oxidative stress accompanying adherens junction restructuring which suggests a role for
reactive oxygen species in the regulation of these testicular junctions. However, transient elevation in
reactive oxygen species levels did not affect
androgen transport.