Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of decorticated and defatted castor seeds (Ricinus communis) on the testis of male mice hormonally and histopathologically at two consecutive spermatogenic cycles. Eighteen albino Swiss male mice were used as animal model, they divided in to three groups equally, 1st group served as control group, while the 2nd group was treated orally with 1.76 mg/kg. B.W. from watery suspension of decorticated and defatted castor seeds extract for 38 days (single spermatogenic cycle). The 3rd group also treated by the same protocol of the 2nd group but was allowed a recovery period (free from the treatment) of another 38 days (double spermatogenic cycles). The measured parameters were: the ratio of testicular weight to the body weight, Levels of testosterone hormone and histopathological study of testicular architecture. The results of the present study showed that the treatment with decorticated and defatted castor seeds caused a significant decrease (P> 0.05) in the ratio of weight of testis to the body weight and the Levels of testosterone hormone, in treatment group and these effects have been sustained in the recovery group. The histopathological sections of testis of treated mice showed sever changes in testicular architecture in both periods of the experiment. This was attributed to the lipolytic and cytotoxic activity of ricin, a toxic protein present in castor seeds. In conclusion, the decorticated and defatted castor seeds have negative hormonal and histopathological effects on the testis of mice and this effect was irreversible at the level of two spermatogenic cycles.

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The article was added to IASJ on 2012-05-21

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