Changes in Sperm Parameters Following Administration of Theophylline, a Competitive Antagonist of Adenosine in Rats Exposed To Bleomycin, a Chemotherapeutic Agent

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of theophylline (THP), a methylxanthine derivative, on the sperm parameters of rats exposed to bleomycin (BLM) as a chemotherapeutic agent. The study was performed on 32 male rats. The rats in Group 1 were administered only with sterile saline intratracheally. The rats in Group 2 were administered a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of BLM intratracheally. The rats in Group 3 received a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg of BLM intratracheally. In addition, THP was administered to rats in Group 3 intraperitoneally at a dose of 75 mg/kg/ day for 14 days. The rats in group 4 were administered an intraperitoneal injection of THP at a dose of 75 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Motility, sperm density, abnormal sperm and dead sperm rates were examined. Significant deteriorations were observed in sperm parameters of rats that were administered BLM. In sperm parameters of rats that were administered THP, it was determined that it only increased motility, but did not significantly change sperm density, abnormal sperm and dead sperm count. In this study, THP only increased motility. There was no positive effect on sperm parameters except motility. © 2019 Ataturk Universitesi. All rights reserved.