The possible effects of chronic administration of amiodarone hydrochloride on the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats: histological and biochemical study

Amiodarone hydrochloride is an antiarrhythmic agent that is widely prescribed. However, it has serious side effects that approximately affect the whole body organs. In our study, we aimed to assess the possible effects of chronic administration of two different doses of amiodarone hydrochloride on the oxidative and inflammatory parameters as well as the histological morphology and ultrastructure of the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups; Control group 1: each rat did not receive any drugs at all. Control group 2: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose, orally and daily for 4 weeks. Low dose amiodarone group: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose contained 3.6 mg amiodarone, orally and daily for 4 weeks. High dose amiodarone group: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose contained 7.2 mg amiodarone, orally and daily for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for measuring serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Testes specimens were examined to assess the morphological changes and the level of expression of caspase-3 apoptotic marker. The results indicated that; amiodarone hydrochloride could induce a dose-dependent toxicity, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular degeneration, deposition of collagen and enhanced apoptosis in the seminiferous tubules.