Modulatory Functions of Craterispermum schweinfurthi on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis of Male Wistar Rats in Phenyl Hydrazine Induced Testicular Toxicity

Introduction: Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is mediated by different factors which are of research interest.

Aim: To evaluate the modulatory functions of Craterispermum schweinfurthi leaf extract on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of male Wistar rats in phenyl hydrazine induced testicular toxicity.

Methodology: 40 male Wistar rats weighing between 100-250g were randomly divided into 8 groups of 5 rats each. Testicular toxicity was induced through intraperitoneal administration of 40mg/kg of phenyl hydrazine at 9am on day 0 and two additional injections at 9am and 6pm on day 1 in all rat groups except groups 1 and 8 and were treated as follows for 14 days; Group 1: Rats in this group received distilled water only: Group 2: Untreated Phenyl hydrazine induced toxicity rats: Groups 3-5 received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 750mg/kg body weight of the extract: Group 6: Rats in this group were administered 0.23ml/kg of Bioferon: Group7: Phenyl hydrazine + Phytosterol (2000mg/kg): Group 8: Phytosterol only (2000mg/kg). 24 hours after the last administration, the rats were anaesthetized using 3.5% chloroform soaked in cotton wool and blood samples collected through direct cardiac puncture for the estimation of serum concentration of reproductive hormones. Also, rat’s caudal epididymis was excised for the determination of sperm indices.

Results: Administration of the hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi to rats Groups 3-5, significantly increased serum concentration of luteinizing, Follicle stimulating hormones and Testosterone compared to Group 2 (phenyl hydrazine induced toxicity) rats (p<0.05): Suggesting a possible modulatory function of the extract. Significantly dose dependent higher values of sperm volume, viability, count, normal and active sperm were observed amongst groups 3-5 rats following the administration of graded doses of the extract compared to Group 2 (phenyl hydrazine induced toxicity) rats (p<0.05). Suggesting a possible amelioration of the toxic effects of phenyl hydrazine.

Conclusion: This study reports that administration of hydromethanol extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi caused a significant and dose dependent improvement in the concentration of male reproductive hormones: resulting in a predictable increase in sperm indices.