Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Vitamin C on Spermatocytes in Rats with Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Epilepsy Using Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Background: There has not been yet reports regarding the protective effect of vitamin C on spermatocytes in epileptic rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective role of vitamin C on numbers and structure spermatocytes in rats with pentylentetrazol-induced epilepsy. Methods: Forty male rats were randomly divided into five groups of 8, and were kindled with pentylentetrazol (40 mg/kg). The first group (sham) received normal saline. The second, third, and forth experimental groups treated with 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of vitamin C, respectively. The negative control group was given only normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. All rats were then deep anesthetized and sacrificed, and their right testis were dissected. Histological sections were prepared, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H/E). The number of spermatocytes in sections were counted, and morphological changes were studied using histology and immunohistochemical methods. Data were analyzes using ANOVA test to determine significant differences between cases and controls. Findings: There was a significant decrease in spermatocytes numbers in epileptic rats compared with intact control group (P < 0.001). The spermatocytes significantly increased in rats, which received 250 mg/kg vitamin C compared to those received 125 mg/kg vitamin C or normal saline (P < 0.010). The morphological changes such as dense nuclei and more acidophilic cytoplasm were observed in epileptic rats compared to control groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that vitamin C supplementation would protect spermatocytes by decreasing the neurotoxin effects of pentylentetrazol in epileptic rats.

Keywords

• rats
• vitamin c
• epilepsy
• spermatocytes