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Investigation the effect of propranolol, metoprolol and carvedilol on spermatogenesis in rat testis

Background Coronary arterial diseases are one of the increasing disease around the worldwide. Because of common using of the beta blockers, we aimed to investigate the effect of different beta-adrenergic receptor blockers on spermatogenesis in male rats.

Methods Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were obtained. Totally 32 rats homogenized according to their weight and divided into four groups that each one includes eight rats. Three of groups were determined as drug groups and remained groups were determined as a control group. Propranolol 40mg/kg, Metoprolol succinate 60mg/kg, Carvedilol 30mg/kg dosage was given by oral gavage within the saline solution, and the only saline solution was given to control group for 21 days, respectively. After 21 days rats were sacrificed, and testis were extracted. Then, histopathologic evaluation was performed.

Results There was statistical significance both right and left testis volume of experimental between control and carvedilol groups (p<0.05). There was statistical histopathological significance between control and carvedilol (p<0.05), control and propranolol (p<0.05), metoprolol succinate and propranolol (p<0.05), metoprolol succinate and carvedilol groups (p<0.05), respectively.

Conclusions Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers have adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Especially propranolol and carvedilol that were non-selective, effects spermatogenesis worse than selective beta blockers such as metoprolol succinate. Extensive use of these drugs may affect spermatogenesis in male, so male patients who have a complaint of infertility should be questioned regarding the use of beta blockers.