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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Bupropion promotes alterations in the spermatogenesis of mice and congenital malformations in the offspring

Eliane S. A. M. Sanches A B , Felipe Tsuzuki A , Fábio A. Joinhas A , Caio C. N. Martins A , Glaura S. A. Fernandes A and Maria J. S. Salles A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Biology, State University of Londrina (UEL), 86051-980, Londrina, Parana, Brazil.

B Department of General Pathology, State University of Londrina (UEL), 86051-980, Londrina, Parana, Brazil.

C Corresponding author. Email: salmjs00@gmail.com

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 30(12) 1751-1758 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD18007
Submitted: 7 January 2018  Accepted: 7 June 2018   Published: 5 July 2018

Abstract

Bupropion hydrochloride (BUP) has been associated with male sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BUP on the reproductive function of male mice and to evaluate offspring development. The mice were distributed into BUP group (40 mg kg−1) and control group (saline). On Day 35 of treatment the males were placed to mate with females and then killed on Day 46 for evaluation of reproductive function. On Day 18 of pregnancy, pregnant females were killed for evaluation of congenital malformations in the offspring. The BUP group showed a decrease in the Johnsen score (Control, 9.354 ± 0.092; BUP, 7.615 ± 0.147), Sertoli (Control, 5.623 ± 0.184; BUP, 4.215 ± 0.097) and Leydig (Control, 11.430 ± 0.817; BUP, 7.531 ± 0.213) cell counts, testosterone levels (Control, 783.5 ± 154.2 ng dL−1; BUP, 201.4 ± 54.8 ng dL−1) and sperm production (Control, 2.852 ± 0.211; BUP, 1.988 ± 0.116) and increased morphological alterations of the sperm head (Control, 8.134%; BUP, 10.423%) and tail (Control, 4.96%; BUP, 16.211%). The congenital malformations observed in BUP-derived offspring were: kyphosis (Control, 0.00%; BUP, 5.26%), retroverted rear legs (Control, 14.43%; BUP, 53.68%), incomplete ossification of the supraoccipital and exoccipital (Control, 21.82%; BUP, 86.00%) and sternum (Control, 25.45%; BUP, 82.00%). BUP had toxic effects on testicular function and teratogenic potential.

Additional keywords: BUP, paternal toxicity, reproductive performance, teratogenesis.


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