Aminoguanidine improves epididymal sperm parameters in varicocelized rats

Abstract

Introduction: Increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the spermatic veins of men affected by varicocele have already been reported. But there is no study to discriminate the subtype of catalytic enzyme for synthesis of NO. In this study, aminoguanidine (AG), an inducible NO synthase inhibitor, has been used to investigate its effect on sperm parameters.

Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. In groups A and B, left experimental varicocele was induced by a 20-gauge needle. Group C (sham) underwent a similar procedure to groups A and B, but the spermatic vein was left intact, and group D served as control group. The animals in group A were killed 10 weeks later and their sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality were evaluated. Group B received 50 mg/kg AG with i.p. injection daily for 10 weeks.

Results: Sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality were significantly decreased in group A in comparison to control group (p ≤ 0.05). In group B, sperm parameters improved in comparison to group A (p ≤ 0.01). Group C did not show any significant alterations in sperm parameters compared with control group.

Conclusion: These findings may support the concept that AG can improve the sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality in infertile rats with varicocele.