Infertility induced by prostaglandins in albino rats by adrenergic block in the vas deferens.

The effects of subcutaneous injections of prostaglandins F2a and E1 (100 microgram/day/animal for 30 days) were studied on the histophysiology and contractile pattern of the vas deferens; morphology, density, motility of vasal spermatozoa; and the fertility rate of rats. The results revealed that both the prostaglandins altered the histology, metabolism, and adrenergic response of the vas deferens in comparison to the control. The sperm density and motility were significantly affected and the vas deferens spermatozoa revealed acrosomal, midpiece, and tail damage. Comparison of the effects of the two PGs showed that PGF2a was more effective in altering contractile pattern and cholinesterase activity of the vas deferens; whereas its metabolism, sperm morphology, and density were affected more by PGE1. However, both PGs caused 50% reduction in fertility rate and almost the same level of reduction in sperm motility and protein levels. We suggest that PGF2a and PGE1 have partial antifertility effects as they alter the sperm morphology and antagonize the adrenergic response to the vas deferens by blocking the a-adrenoreceptors.