Prenatal Diclofenac Sodium Exposure and Newborn Testis: Histomorphometric, Light and Electron Microscopic Evaluation

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used as analgesic with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Their widespread used and because of its toxic effects led to many studies to be done on it. Diclofenac sodium (DS) is the most commonly used a NSAID and it is used orally or topically. Many studies on the effects of DS on the reproductive system have shown that DS can cause infertility by means of various reasons. The effects of DS on the male reproductive system can be explained as impairment in secretion of the male endocrine system and formation of new spermatogonium, Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testicle. While DS causes a decrease in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and testosterone levels, it may create a significant increase in prolactin level. However, several studies have shown that weights of the testes, epididymis, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicles, sperm count, sperm density, sperm motility, and testicular cell populations were seriously decreased by DS exposure. In this chapter, morphological and endocrinological effects of prenatal/postnatal DS exposure on the male reproductive system and fixation methods that can be used for toxicological studies of the male reproductive system will be evaluated. © 2021 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.