Effects of leptin on sperm count and morphology in Sprague‐Dawley rats and their reversibility following a 6‐week recovery period

Abstract

Altered epididymal sperm count and morphology following leptin treatment has been reported recently. This study examined the effects of 42 days of leptin treatment on sperm count and morphology and their reversibility during a subsequent 56‐day recovery period. Twelve‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomised into four leptin and four saline‐treated control groups (n = 6). Intraperitoneal injections of leptin were given daily (60 μg Kg−1 body weight) for 42 days. Controls received 0.1 ml of 0.9% saline. Leptin‐treated animals and their respective age‐matched controls were euthanised on either day 1, 21, 42 or 56 of recovery for collection of epididymal spermatozoa. Sperm concentration was determined using a Makler counting chamber. Spermatozoa were analysed for 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine and DNA fragmentation (Comet assay). Data were analysed using anova. Sperm concentration …