The effect of prostaglandins and prostaglandin inhibitors on spermatogenesis.

The effect of the prostaglandin inhibitors, aspirin and indomethacin and of prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2 on spermatogenesis in the mature male mouse has been studied. Aspirin at 100 mg/kg and at 200 mg/kg, and indomethacin at 1.0 mg/kg given orally twice a day for fifteen days produced a marked increase in spermatogenesis. The number of step 7 spermatids increased significantly over controls at about the same rate in all three groups. No significant changes in seminal vesicle weight or testicular weight was noted, although testicular weight did show an increase. Administration of prostaglandins E1 and E2 subcutaneously in doses of either 2 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg once a day for fifteen days produced a marked decrease in spermatogenesis. Step 7 spermatids decreased significantly at both dosage levels of PGE2 and at the higher dosage level of PGE1. Spermatocyte showed a significant decrease at the higher dose of PGE2. Testicular weight showed a significant decrease at the higher dose of PGE2. Seminal vesicle weight showed a significant decrease at the lower dose of PGE1 and at the higher dose of PGE2. Epididymal weight decreased at the higher dose of PGE2. Increased numbers of exfoliated immature germ cells and mature spermatozoa were observed in the epididymus of both the PGE1 and PGE2 treated animals.