The Effect of Propranolol on Sperm Parameters, CatSper 2 Gene and Protein Expression, and Oxidative Stress in Adult Mice

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of propranolol on sperms, histopathology of testes, and CatSper 2 gene and protein expression in adult mice. 18 adult male mice were randomly divided into control, propranolol 1 (receiving 10 mg/kg dose) and propranolol 2 group (receiving 15 mg/kg dose for 35 days). The mean amount of sperm parameters in the propranolol 1 and propranolol 2 groups was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). CatSper2 gene and protein expression have significantly decreased in propranolol 1 and propranolol 2 groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Reduction of CatSper2 gene and protein expression in low dose of propranolol was more severe than high dose. In testicular tissues of the propranolol 1 group, vacuoles and necrosis in the germinal epithelium were observed, and in testicular tissues of propranolol 2 group decrease in the thickness of the germinal epithelium, some vacuoles and necrosis were observed in germinal epithelium as well as congestion in the interstitial space. The mean value of thiol and catalase enzyme in the propranolol 1 and propranolol 2 groups, and the mean value of superoxide dismutase in propranolol 1 group, were significantly different compared to the control group (P<0.05).