A quantitative study of the effects of acetylsalicylic acid on spermatogenesis and organs of the rat.

Although the occurrence of prostaglandins in the male reproductive organs is consistent, their physiological role in fertility and reproduction is not known. The influence of acetylsalicylic acid, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on the male reproductive tract was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats of proven fertility. Acetylsalicylic acid dissolved in phosphate buffer was administered once a day at two dosages (300 mg/kg body weight and 150 mg/kg body weight) over a period of 12 days and a period of 6 days. The animals were killed 24 hours after the final treatment and the testes, epididymides, ductus deferens, seminal vesicles, kidneys, and adrenal glands were removed and placed in Bouin's solution. Subsequently, the tissues were cleaned and weighed and the testes were prepared for quantitative study under the light microscope. Organ weights were not significantly altered in the animals that were treated with acetylsalicylic acid. Cell counts indicated that there was a significant increase in the mean number of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatids in those animals treated with the drug for 6 days at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Treatment at the same dosage for a period of 12 days produced a significant decrease in the mean numbers of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. The mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules was also significantly decreased in the latter group of animals. In the group of animals treated with ASA for 12 days at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight the mean diameter of the seminiferous tubules was significantly increased. No clear conclusion as to the effect of the drug on spermatogenesis or the various organs could be drawn.