3,3 diindolylmethane leads to apoptosis,decreases sperm quality,affects blood estradiol 17 β and testosterone,oestrogen (α and β) and androgen receptor levels in the reproductive system in male rats

3,3 Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a major digestive product of indole‐3 carbinol, obtained from Brassica family vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DIM on sperm parameters, histological structures of testicular tissues, blood testosterone (T) and estradiol 17‐β (E2) in male rats. Thirty‐eight male Sprague Dawley rats were used. Rats were divided into four groups: Group I: referred as Control group, received corn oil only; Group II: as DIM‐10, rats received 10 mg kg^?1 DIM; Group III: as DIM‐50, rats received 50 mg kg^?1 DIM; Group IV: as DIM‐100, received 100 mg kg^?1 DIM during 53 days. Spermatological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of testes and serum T and E2 levels were assayed. Histopathological examinations of tests were done. DIM caused an increase in MDA levels. It decreased motility and live sperm rates and increased degeneration of testicular tissues. While DIM‐10 did not affect abnormal sperm rate, higher concentrations increased the abnormalities. Sperm density was higher in DIM‐10 groups when compared to both other groups. Only DIM‐50 had an anti‐androgenic effect among all groups. Only, DIM‐10 showed anti‐estrogenic activity as compared to higher DIM groups. In conclusion, DIM (i) had side effect on some sperm characteristics, (ii) increased the MDA levels and (iii) led to histological degeneration of testicular tissues and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Isoflavones and their effects on the onset of puberty in male Wistar rats

This study was performed to determine how two of the most important isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, affect the gonadal axis in male prepuberal rats. One hundred and seventy‐five prepuberal male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups: one control group and six experimental groups that were orally administered a high or low dose of genistein, daidzein or a mixture of both. Testosterone determination was assayed by EIA. The testes and body weights were measured, and the histology of the epididymis with the sperm content and epididymal sperm count were evaluated. In the control group, we observed an increase in the serum testosterone levels (>2.5 ng ml^?1) at the third week (52 days), which corresponded to the onset of puberty in these rats. The same increase in serum testosterone levels was observed at the fourth week in rats that received low doses of isoflavones; therefore, we concluded that the onset of puberty was delayed. At high doses, there was no significant increase in testosterone levels, which could be related to the fact that these male rats did not reach puberty. These findings were supported by the results obtained from the analysis of the epididymal content as well as the testes/body weight ratio.     

Quercetin mitigates fenitrothion‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

Fenitrothion (FNT) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide in agriculture. Quercetin (QR), a plant‐derived flavonoid, has a free radical scavenging property. This study investigated the protective effect of QR on FNT‐induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty‐four male rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control) received normal saline. Group II was administered QR at the dose of 50 mg kg^?1 b.wt. Group III was orally administered FNT (20 mg kg^?1 b.wt). Group IV was gavaged FNT and QR together at the same doses. All administrations were performed daily by gavage and maintained for 70 days. Sperm parameters and histopathological changes in testes were investigated. Serum testosterone and luteinising hormone were estimated using radioimmunoassay kits. In testes, expressions of steroidogenic genes (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 6, 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and steroidogenic factor‐1) and oxidative stress genes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were determined using real‐time PCR. FNT administration caused significant decreases in sperm count, motility and hormonal levels, a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology and a significant down‐regulation of steroidogenic and antioxidant genes in the testis. However, QR administration ameliorated FNT‐induced toxic effects. Our results concluded that QR effectively mitigated testicular damage induced by FNT in rats.     

Quercetin prevents 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced testicular damage in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Twenty-two rats were equally divided into four groups; first group was kept as control and given corn oil as carrier. In second group, TCDD was orally administered at the dose of 2 μ (kg week)(-1) for 60 days. In third group, quercetin was orally administered at the dose of 20 mg (kg day)(-1) by gavages, and in fourth group TCDD and quercetin were given together at the same doses. Although TCDD increased the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly, it caused a significant decline in the levels of glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), GSH-Px and CuZn-Superoxide Dismutase (CuZn-SOD) in rats. In contrast, quercetin significantly increased the GSH, CAT, GSH-Px and CuZn-SOD levels but decreased the formation of TBARS. In addition, sperm motility, sperm concentration and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased but abnormal sperm rate and testicular damage were increased with TCDD treatment. However, these effects of TCDD on sperm parameters, histological changes and hormone levels were eliminated by quercetin treatment. Our results show that administration of TCDD induces testicular damage (oxidative stress, testes tissue damage, serum hormone level and sperm parameters), and quercetin prevents TCDD-induced testicular damage in rats. Thus, quercetin may be useful for the prevention and treatment of TCDD-induced testicular damage.     

The protective effect of vitamin E against oxidative damage caused by formaldehyde in the testes of adult rats

Aim:To investigate the effect of formaldehyde(FA)on testes and the protective effect of vitamin E(VE)againstoxidative damage by FA in the testes of adult rats.Methods:Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups:(1)control;(2)FA treatment group(FAt);and(3)FAt VE group.FAt and FAt VE groups were exposed to FA byinhalation at a concentration of 10 mg/m~3 for 2 weeks.In addition,FAt VE group were orally administered VE duringthe 2-week FA treatment.After the treatment,the histopathological and biochemical changes in testes,as well as thequantity and quality of sperm,were observed.Results:The testicular weight,the quantity and quality of sperm,theactivities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and glutathione(GSH)were significantlydecreased whereas the level of malondialdehyde(MDA)was significantly increased in testes of rats in FAt groupcompared with those in the control group.VE treatment restored these parameters in FAt VE group.In addition,microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophied,seminiferous epithelialcells disintegrated and shed in rats in FAt group and VE treatment significantly improved the testicular structure in FAt VE group.Conclusion:FA destroys the testicular structure and function in adult rats by inducing oxidative stress,and this damage could be partially reversed by VE.(Asian J Androl 2006 Sep;8:584-588)     

儿童隐睾伴附睾畸形的新分类探讨

目的 :探讨隐睾伴附睾畸形的新分类及治疗措施。　方法 :隐睾组患儿 15 3例 ,睾丸鞘膜组患儿 14 4例。术中通过观察睾丸附睾间位置关系 ,测量附睾长度 ,触摸有无附睾闭锁、输精管缺如、附睾及输精管梗阻 ,将隐睾伴发附睾畸形分为输精道管有梗阻型 (Ⅰ型 ) ,再细分为 ⅠA、ⅠB、ⅠC三组 ;输精管可能有梗阻型 (Ⅱ 型 ) ,包括 ⅡA、ⅡB2组 ;输精管无梗阻型 (Ⅲ 型 )分成 ⅢA、ⅢB 2组。　结果 :隐睾组共 2 0 1个睾丸 ,伴发附睾畸形 4 7个 ,畸形率2 3.4 %。双侧隐睾 4 8例 ,11例发生附睾畸形 ,且双侧为同一类型 :ⅠB 2例 ,ⅠC 2例 ,ⅡA 1例 ,ⅢA 4例 ,ⅢB 2例 ,行睾丸固定或切除术。睾丸鞘膜积液组共 15 5个睾丸 ,伴发附睾畸形 16例 ,畸形率 10 .3%。两组附睾畸形率差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。　结论 :隐睾伴发附睾畸形的发病率高于正常睾丸 ,对严重附睾畸形的双侧隐睾不应都行睾丸切除术。     

Accumulation of mercury and its effects on testicular functions in rats intoxicated orally by methylmercury

All forms of mercury are considered poisonous. Methylmercury, one organic form, is highly toxic to many organs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of this form on the reproductive system in the rat. For this, 20 male rats were divided into two groups. One, which is considered as reference, received tap water. The second group received tap water containing methylmercury at the rate of 20 mg l^?1 for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of total mercury and plasma testosterone. The left testes were used for the determination of total mercury and histological examination. Appropriate centrifugation was applied on right testes to extract interstitial and seminiferous tubular fluids. The epididymides were homogenised for the sperm count. Our results showed a dramatic fall in the plasma testosterone in the contaminated animals. The fall in plasmatic testosterone seems to be in relation with the decrease in the secretion of testosterone. In association with this, the concentration of testosterone in seminiferous tubules fluid dropped about 55% in the poisoned animals in comparison with the controls. Despite this, no decrease in the epididymal sperm count in contaminated rats was observed.     

L-肉碱在奥硝唑所致大鼠睾丸和附睾损伤中的保护作用

目的:探讨L-肉碱(LC)在奥硝唑(ORN)所致大鼠附睾和睾丸损伤中的的保护作用。方法:40只雄性SD大鼠(200～230g)随机均分为5组:①A组:给予0.5%的羧甲基纤维素钠(溶剂)灌胃;②B组:每天给予400mg/kgORN灌胃;③C组:每天给予800mg/kgORN灌胃;④D组:每天给予[ORN(400mg/kg)+LC(100mg/kg)]灌胃;⑤E组:每天给予[ORN(800mg/kg)+LC(100mg/kg)]灌胃。上述各组均连续灌胃20d,末次给药24h后,所有大鼠麻醉后处死,分别取睾丸、附睾,进行称重和HE染色,计算睾丸、附睾系数并观察睾丸和附睾病理组织学改变。结果:①与A组相比,B组睾丸、附睾系数明显降低(P<0.05);而C组睾丸、附睾系数为极显著性降低(P<0.01);D组与A组相比无差异,E组与A组相比有极显著性差异(P<0.01);②HE染色显示,与A组相比,B组睾丸生精小管内各级生精细胞排列基本整齐,部分生精小管管腔内有脱落的生精细胞,附睾管腔中精子数目下降,有时可见散在的生精细胞;C组大鼠睾丸生精小管管腔内均可见坏死脱落的生精细胞,附睾管腔中精子数目明显减少,且有较多的非精子细胞成分。D组睾丸生精小管无明显改变,附睾管腔中精子数目也未见明显下降;E组睾丸生精小管管腔内精子数目减少,可见坏死脱落的生精细胞,附睾腔中精子数目明显减少,并伴有较多的非精子细胞成分。结论:奥硝唑(ORN)可导致雄性大鼠附睾和睾丸病理组织学改变,LC对ORN引起大鼠附睾和睾丸损伤具有一定的保护作用。     

Protective effects of kolaviron and quercetin on cadmium-induced testicular damage and endocrine pathology in rats

This study evaluated the effects of kolaviron, a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed, and quercetin on cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Adult male rats were administered with either cadmium (15 mg kg(-1)) alone or in combination with kolaviron (200 mg kg(-1)) or quercetin (10 mg kg(-1)) daily for 5 days. Cadmium-treated rats showed (P < 0.05) decrease in the body weight gain, testis and epididymis weights. However, upon co-administration of kolaviron or quercetin, these changes were significantly reversed in cadmium-treated rats. Also, administration of kolaviron or quercetin significantly prevented cadmium-mediated decrease in sperm motility and epididymal sperm concentration and reversed the increased level of sperm abnormality to near control. In testes and sperm, cadmium treatment resulted in significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, whereas it increased glutathione S-transferase activity as well as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels. While plasma levels of triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine remained unaffected, the levels of testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were decreased in cadmium-treated rats. Cadmium treatment caused mild congestion of interstitial vessels and oedema in the testes. Taken together, kolaviron and quercetin inhibited the adverse effects of cadmium on the antioxidant enzymes, markers of oxidative stress, endocrine and testicular structure in rats.     

Antioxidant effect of manganese on the testis structure and sperm parameters of formalin‐treated mice

Manganese inhibits oxidative stress damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of manganese on testis structure and sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA). Twenty adult male NMRI mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: (i) control; (ii) sham; (iii) ‘FA’‐exposed group; and (iv) ‘FA and manganese chloride’‐exposed group. The FA‐exposed groups received 10 mg kg^?1 FA daily for 14 days, and manganese chloride was just injected intraperitoneally 5 mg kg^?1 on 2nd weeks. Mice were sacrificed, and spermatozoa were collected from the cauda of the right epididymis and analysed for count, motility, morphology and viability. The other testicular tissues were weighed and prepared for histological examination upon removal. Seminiferous tubules, lumen diameters and epithelium thickness were also measured. The findings revealed that FA significantly reduced the testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology compared with control group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, seminiferous tubules atrophied and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated in the FA group in comparison with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, manganese improved the testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA‐treated mice testes (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results, manganese may improve and protect mice epididymal sperm parameters and testis structure treated with FA respectively.     

Teucrium polium attenuates carbon tetrachloride‐induced toxicity in the male reproductive system of rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Teucrium polium (T. polium) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)‐induced male reproductive system damage. The effects of T. polium and vitamin C (Vit C) on sperm parameters, gonadotrophin and testosterone levels, oxidative status and testis tissue structure were assessed in CCl₄‐treated male rats. CCl₄ caused significant alteration of sperm parameters in epididymal and testicular tissues, a decrease in hormone levels, and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in testicular tissues. A noteworthy increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level was induced in CCl₄‐treated rats with some histopathological damages on the testes compared with control group. Remarkable ameliorations were observed with respect to all the previous parameters, following the administration of CCl₄ with T. polium, and with vitamin C used as a positive control, when compared with CCl₄ alone. Teucrium polium extracts showed good antioxidant performance, suggesting its protective effect against chemically induced reprotoxicity.     

Serum reproductive hormone levels and sperm production in male adult rats after treatment with arresting, a fraction obtained from seminiferous tubules conditioned medium

This study used seminiferous tubule (ST) segments from adult rats to condition culture medium that had been concentrated, size fractioned and administered 10-84 days to adult rats by subcutaneous or intratesticular injection and the effects on testes weight, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH levels and (homogenization-resistant) epididymal sperm count were determined. The conditioned medium obtained 2 days after culture of ST was fractionated in a 30-100 kDa component. The fraction was injected subcutaneously or intratesticularly. This factor(s), named arresting, decreases sperm count in the epididymis from 13 days to 84 days of treatment without changes in serum LH or testosterone levels. The results of the present study suggest that arresting acts on spermiogenesis/spermiation and/or the entry of sperm into the epididymis from the efferent ductules.     

Gallic acid protects against cyclophosphamide‐induced toxicity in testis and epididymis of rats

The protective role of gallic acid (GA) on reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was investigated in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were grouped into 10 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Rats in groups 2 and 3 received GA alone at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CPA at 200 mg kg^?1 on day 1. Groups 5 and 6 received a single dose of CPA (200 mg kg^?1) intraperitoneally on day 1 followed by treatment with GA at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. In testes and epididymis of the treated rats, CPA administration resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels. There was a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, which were accompanied by significant decrease in sperm motility and viability in CPA‐treated rats. Histological examination revealed marked testicular and epididymal atrophy in CPA alone treated rats and these aberrations were reversed by GA. In conclusion, GA has capacity to protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.     

Butyl paraben-induced changes in DNA methylation in rat epididymal spermatozoa

Parabens have been shown to affect male rodent reproductive parameters, including testosterone levels and sperm production. In this study, we examined the effect of long-term exposure to butyl paraben (BP) on rat epididymal sperm DNA methylation. Adult male rats were exposed to BP (0, 10, 100 and 1000 mg kg(-1) per day) according to OECD TG407 for a repeated 28-day oral toxicity study. Sperm DNA methylation was examined by differential display random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) following methylation-specific restriction digestion of DNA. Among the 57 RAPD amplicons, six were methylation specific. Of these, five amplicons increased by 1.4- to 3.8-fold in epididymal sperm DNA at testing dose of BP. This indicates that BP can cause DNA hypermethylation in germ cells from the mitotic through post-meiotic stage in adult rat testes. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the epigenetic modification of sperm DNA by parabens.     

Effects of smoking on testicular function and fertilizing potential in rats

We evaluated the effects of smoking on testicular function and fertilizing potential in rats. Twenty rats (group A) were exposed to the smoke of 20 cigarettes for 1 h per day. Ten rats (group B) were exposed to the smoke of 40 incense sticks for 1 h per day, and an additional 10 rats served as a control group (group C). After 10 weeks of daily exposure, serum levels of nicotine and cotinine were assessed, and a mating test was conducted. Five days later, serum concentrations of testosterone before and after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation, gonadotropins, and epididymal sperm content and motility were evaluated. In addition, in vitro fertilization was carried out. Nicotine and cotinine were detected in group A, but not in groups B and C. Basal serum testosterone and gonadotropin concentrations did not differ significantly among the three groups, but the testosterone response to hCG stimulation was significantly lower in group A than in groups B and C. Group A showed significant reductions in epididymal sperm content and motility, and in fertility in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that smoking leads to a secretory dysfunction of the Leydig cells, and also a deficiency in sperm maturation and spermatogenesis. In addition, smoking has a detrimental effect on sperm fertilizing potentials in vivo and in vitro. Received: 18 December / Accepted: 27 May 1997     

Levels of oxidative stress parameters and the protective effects of melatonin in psychosis model rat testis

Aim： To evaluate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant enzyme levels and histopathologic changes in dizocilpine （MK-801）-induced psychosis model rat testis. Methods： A total of 24 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups with 8 in each. Group I was used as control. Rats in Group II were injected with MK-801 （0.5 mg/kg body weight i.p. for 5 days）. In addition to MK-801, melatonin （50 mg/kg body weight i.p. once a day for 5 days） was injected into the rats in Group Ⅲ. The testes were harvested bilaterally for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and nitric oxide （NO） levels in testicular tissues were analyzed using spectrophotometric analysis methods. Histopathological examinations of the testes were also performed. Results： MK-801 induced testicular damage, which resulted in significant oxidative stress （OS） by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and NO levels were increased in testicular tissues of rats. Treatment with melatonin led to significant decrease in oxidative injury. Administration of melatonin also reduced the detrimental histopathologic effects caused by MK-801. Conclusion： The results of the present study showed that MK-801 cause OS in testicular tissues of rats and treatment with melatonin can reduce the harmful effects＇of MK-801. （Asian JAndro12008 Mar; 10： 259-265）     

Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract ameliorates the testicular dysfunction resulted from HFD-induced obesity rat model

In this study, we estimated the protective role of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract (MOLE) against obesity-associated testicular dysfunction. Fifty male albino rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10): Group I (basal diet), group II (basal diet plus MOLE orally), group III (high-fat diet—HFD), group IV (HFD plus oral MOLE) and group V (HFD for 8 weeks followed by a basal diet plus oral MOLE for 6 weeks). The study duration extended for 14 weeks. Serum collected to investigate testosterone, FSH and LH levels. Testicular tissues were used to determine levels of SOD, glutathione, catalase and malondialdehyde. Semen was collected to estimate its quality (morphology, motility and concentration). Morphological changes in the testis were investigated by histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. Compared with both control treatment and MOLE treatment, serum testosterone, FSH, LH, testicular enzymatic catalase, SOD, GSH, survivin immunoreactivity, sperm quality and testicular weight were all significantly decreased in rats treated with HFD, while there were significant increases in testicular malondialdehyde and caspase-3 immunoreactivity. MOLE improved all harmful effects of HFD. Improvements were more pronounced in the protected (G 4) than the treated (G 5) group. MOLE could be a potential solution for obesity-associated fertility problem.     

Posttesticular antifertility action of triptolide in the male rat: evidence for severe impairment of cauda epididymal sperm ultrastructure

A variety of active diterpene epoxides, including the triptolide (isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii) have been reported to cause infertility in male rats. Previously, we showed that oral administration of triptolide at a dosage of 100 microg/kg per body weight for 70 days completely inhibited fertility in male rats, with little or no demonstrable detrimental effect on spermatogenesis and Leydig cell function as determined by testicular light microscopic appearance and serum and intratesticular testosterone levels. Despite the apparent absence of effects on the testes, cauda epididymal sperm were abnormal, with complete cessation of sperm motility and some reduction in sperm numbers. This study was undertaken to provide additional insight into the subcellular sites and possible mechanisms of action of this compound using ultrastructural analysis of the testes and epididymidis. The most striking effect of triptolide treatment was observed in sperm in the epididymis. In rats rendered infertile with 100 microg/kg per body weight of triptolide daily for 70 days, virtually all cauda epididymal sperm exhibited complete absence of plasma membrane over the entire middle and principal piece, premature decondensation of the nuclei, and disorganization of the mitochondrial sheath with many vacuolated mitochondria. No ultrastructural differences in the epididymal epithelium were observed between control and triptolide-treated rats. The testes appeared to be mildly affected after triptolide treatment but exhibited only subtle ultrastructural defects in the germ cells. The findings of severe impairment of cauda epididymal sperm ultrastructure, along with minimal discernible abnormalities in the fine structural cytology of the testes, further suggest that the site of action of this compound is posttesticular and may be confined to the cauda epididymal sperm. However, we cannot rule out an effect of triptolide that occurs during germ cell maturation but is delayed in its manifestation or triggered at the rete testis and epididymal level.     

Effects of ethanol ingestion on epididymal glycosidases and fertility in the rat

Epididymal glycosidases play a role in sperm maturation by modifying sperm surface glycoproteins. To study the effects of ethanol on epididymal sperm maturation, ethanol (3 g/kg body weight as 25%, v/v) was administered to a group of rats by gastric-intubation twice daily for 30 days. In another group, rats were also treated with alcohol for 30 days but were then withdrawn from treatment for 30 days to assess the reversibility of ethanol-induced effects. Ethanol-induced changes in epididymal tissue and sperm glycosidases, cauda epididymal sperm motility and the fertility of rats were assessed. Ethanol treatment caused a marked decrease in the specific activities of glycosidases in both tissues and spermatozoa from epididymal segments. Cauda epididymal sperm motility and the fertility of ethanol-treated rats were significantly impaired compared to control rats fed an isocaloric diet. These changes are likely to be the consequence of direct and indirect effects of ethanol mediated through subnormal testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Most of these changes were found to be reversible. The present study suggests that impaired activity of sperm glycosidases may be one of the factors responsible for defective sperm motility and fertilizing potential in ethanol-treated rats.