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Pediatric Surgery International

Published in:

01-02-2013 | Original Article

Methotrexate induces germ cell apoptosis and impairs spermatogenesis in a rat

Authors: Igor Sukhotnik, Omri Nativ, Alex Roitburt, Daniel Bejar, Arnold G. Coran, Jorge G. Mogilner, Ofer Nativ

Published in: Pediatric Surgery International | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Purpose

The primary toxic effects of methotrexate (MTX) are myelosuppression and/or intestinal mucositis. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of MTX on germ cell apoptosis and spermatogenesis in a rat.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: control rats treated with vehicle; MTX-2 rats treated with one dose (20 μg/kg) of MTX given IP and killed on the second day; and MTX rats treated with IP MTX (20 μg/kg) and killed on day 4. Johnsen’s criteria and the number of germinal cell layers in the testes were used to categorize the spermatogenesis. TUNEL assay was used to determine germ cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to determine Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels. Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test, with p less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

On day 2, MTX-treated animals demonstrated minimal changes in the histological parameters of spermatogenesis, but germ cell apoptosis increased significantly (threefold increase, p = 0.002) compared to control rats. On day 4, MTX-treated rats demonstrated a trend toward a decrease in germ cell apoptosis, compared to day 2, and showed histological signs of impaired spermatogenesis (decreased number of germ cell layers and Johnsen’s criteria). A significant increase in cell apoptosis in MTX-treated rats was correlated with higher Bax/Bcl-2 protein levels.

Conclusions

MTX induced germ cell apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis in rat testes.

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Title: Methotrexate induces germ cell apoptosis and impairs spermatogenesis in a rat
Authors: Igor Sukhotnik
Omri Nativ
Alex Roitburt
Daniel Bejar
Arnold G. Coran
Jorge G. Mogilner
Ofer Nativ
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Pediatric Surgery International / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0179-0358
Electronic ISSN: 1437-9813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-012-3197-0

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Methotrexate induces germ cell apoptosis and impairs spermatogenesis in a rat

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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