LHRH analogues do not protect the germinal epithelium during chemotherapy. An experimental animal investigation.

The protective effect of Decapeptyl, a D-Trp6-LHRH analogue, on the germinal epithelium of rats during chemotherapy was examined in an experimental animal study. Four groups were formed consisting of 15 (groups A and B) and 20 (groups C and D) Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. The animals were treated as follows: group A (control group) was given 0.9% NaCl i.m.; group B (LHRH group) D-Trp6-LHRH analogue (Decapeptyl); group C (LHRH + chemotherapy group) Decapeptyl + cyclophosphamide; group D (chemotherapy group) cyclophosphamide. The gonads were removed before therapy was initiated and on days 13, 52, and 182 after treatment and examined histologically. In addition, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the serum, a sensitive indicator of tubular damage, were determined. The most damaging effects of chemotherapy on histology and hormone levels were observed in the animals in group C, which were additionally treated with LHRH analogues. Therefore, it is not possible to protect the germinal epithelium of the rat with LHRH analogues during chemotherapy.