Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which has a broad-spectrum activity against bacteria. Recently, its adverse effects on the reproductive system, was revealed. The aim of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of ceftriaxone on testicular tissue in adult male mice.

Methods: A total of 40 adult male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: Control group received normal saline; the first and second experimental groups, respectively, received ceftriaxone at doses of 20 and 50mg/kg bw for 7 days; and the third and fourth groups, respectively, received 20 and 50mg/kg bw of the drug for 45 days. After preparation of tissue sections, routine and specific staining was performed, and histological, histomorphometric, and histochemical studies were carried out. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey^’s test. Significance level was considered as p<0.05. 

Results: The histological evaluations in experimental groups showed changes as atrophy of some seminiferous tubules, decrease in the spermatogenesis and sertoli as well as disruption and disintegration. Morphometric studies showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the mean diameter of seminiferous tubules, testicular capsule, thickness of epithelium of seminiferous tubules, distribution of leydig cells and lymphocytes, and insignificant increase (p>0.05) in the interstitial tissue thickness in all the experimental groups compared to the control group. In the experimental groups, Sudan Black and alkaline phosphatase reactions were intense, while PAS reaction was weak.

Conclusion: Ceftriaxone damages testicular structure, which includes loss of balance of the spermatogenic cell population and decrease in the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes.