EFFECTS OF CHRONIC PAIN ON SOME REPRODUCTIVE ASPECTS IN ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS
Shebl Ramadan Samaha*
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic pain is a self-reinforcing pathological state in which plastic changes in the stress system may contribute to the patient’s suffering and pain-related disability. Psychological stress has been perceived clinically as a potential risk factor affecting male fertility. However, its potential effect on spermatogenesis and testicular function has received little attention compared with the role of testicular oxidative-stress mechanisms. Objective: The present work was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic pain on some reproductive aspects in adult male albino rats. Material and methods: Twenty adult male albino rats of local strain weighing 135 - 150 g were chosen to be the model of the present study. They were divided into two equal groups: Group I (Control group) received no treatment, and Group II (Chronic pain group) were subjected to induction of chronic pain by daily subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml of 2.5% formalin into the plantar surface of one hindpaw for two weeks. Blood samples were withdrawn, serum was separated for determination of serum fasting glucose, corticosterone, testosterone, and prolactin levels. Rats were killed and pelvi-abdominal cavities were opened to obtain testes, epididymis and prostate for studying histopathological changes. Results: Chronic pain was associated with significant changes in behavior and hormonal profile of the reproductive functions in addition to histopathological disturbances. Conclusion: Chronic pain has a drawback effects on the behavioral and reproductive functions. So, a great importance of treating pain must be paid to avoid its drawback effects on the body functions.
Keywords: Chronic pain, stress, male sex hormones, testes, epididymis, prostate.
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