Background: Some studies have shown that glucocorticoids affect testis homeostasis by decreasing testosterone level. In this study the influence of dexametasone (Dex), a widely used glucocorticoid drug, was evaluated on expression of Bax protein in mice testicular germ cells and spermatogenesis process.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study thirty five adult male mice randomly divided into 5 groups. Test groups (T1-T4) received 2, 4, 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex per day for 7 days, respectively. Control group received only saline daily for 7 days. Then the mice were sacrificed and their testes were incubated in formalin for immunohistochemistry and histology studies.
Results: T1 and T2 groups, which received 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex, showed significant decrease in the number of germ cells and somatic cells of testes, and also in the maturity of spermatogenesis (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical studies showed that Dex with doses of 7 and 10 mg/kg significantly increased Bax expression at all stages of spermatogenesis cycle except stage IX.
Conclusion: It seems that glucocorticoid drugs such as Dex induce apoptosis in testicular germ cells by affecting proapoptotic proteins and causing defect in spermatogenesis process.
Khorsandi L S, Hashemitabar M, Orazizadeh M. The study of Bax protein expression in Dexamethasone induced apoptosis in spermatogenic cells in mice. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2008; 18 (3) :141-148 URL: http://tmuj.iautmu.ac.ir/article-1-151-en.html