Effects of Trazodone on Testicular Morphology, Sperm Parameters and Contractility of the Distal Cauda Epididymal Duct in Rats

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Trazodone is an antidepressant approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and is associated with a low incidence of sexual dysfunction. However, its effects on male reproductive health are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated trazodone administration on reproductive parameters and the distal cauda epididymal duct contractions in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were orally treated by gavage for 21 days with saline (control) or trazodone at 10 and 20 mg/kg. After treatment, the blood and reproductive organs were collected for the experimental analysis. Trazodone induced adverse reproductive effects in rats, evidenced by testicular tissue damage, increased intratesticular lipid peroxidation and reduced sperm production and sperm count in different epididymal regions. Additionally, trazodone treatment reduced progressive sperm motility, the number of viable and morphologically normal sperm, indicating decreased sperm quality. The contraction of the isolated distal cauda epididymal duct was also impaired by trazodone treatment, suggesting possible alterations during the emission phase of ejaculation. In conclusion, trazodone exhibited significant reproductive effects that may impair male fertility. These findings provide, to our knowledge, the first integrated assessment of trazodone-induced changes in testicular morphology, sperm parameters and epididymal duct contractility.

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