TESTICULAR HISTOMORPHOLOGY

EFFECTS OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN INTERFERON-α-2B IN ALBINO RAT MODEL

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of
recombinant human interferon-α-2b (rh-INF-α-2b) on testicular histomorphology in adult rat
model. Study Design: Experimental study. Place & Duration: Animal house, Sindh Agriculture
University Tando Jam and Isra University Hyderabad from January to December 2014.
Methodology: 80 adult albino rats were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria
and divided into 4 groups. Group I: Control rats 0.9% saline, Group II: rhIFN α-2b (3MIU),
Group III: rhIFN α-2b (5MIU) and Group IV received rhIFN α-2b (10MIU). The rhIFN α-2b was
injected intra-peritoneal (i.p) three times a week for 3 weeks in doses of 3MIU, 5MIU and
10MIU. Animals were euthanized. Orchidectomy was performed and testicles were stored in
10% formaldehyde. 5μ thick tissue sections were stained by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E).
Results: Atrophic seminiferous tubules with clumping of lining epithelia were noted. Germ cell
maturation arrested was prominent; hypervascularity with reduced germ cells and sperm cells
were noted in high dose rhIFN α-2b treated groups. Tubular desquamation and thick basement
membrane were visible. The sertoli cells and interstitial cells of Leydig counts were increased.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the recombinant human interferon-α-2b exerts serious adverse
effects on testicular histomorphology.