Abstract

THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN ON TESTICULAR DAMAGE INDUCED BY CHRONIC ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF ALCOHOL IN POSTPUBERTAL MALE ALBINO RATS

Martins S. Akogwu, Chukwuka N. Uchendu and Rita I. Odo*

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG) on testicular damage induced by chronic administration of alcohol in postpubertal male albino rats. Twenty four mature male albino rats were assigned into four groups: Group A was the control given distilled water, Group B was given 30% ethanol (8 ml/kg) orally 3 times a week for 10 weeks, Group C was given HcG (50 IU/kg) subcutaneously 3 times a week for 10 weeks and Group D was given HcG (50 IU/kg) subcutaneously + 30% ethanol (8 ml/kg) orally 3 times a week for 10 weeks. The results obtained indicated that body weight, testicular weight and volume were similar amongst the groups. The ex situ testicular circumference, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves, sperm motility and viability were significantly reduced (P

Keywords: Ethanol, HcG, postpubertal, testis, rats, sperm.