6-mercaptopurine and spermatogenesis in the young rat |
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Authors: | P. I. Karl PhD R. Katz BS F. Daum MD Dr. S. E. Fisher MD |
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Affiliation: | (1) Departments of Pediatrics & Reearch, The Center for Pediatric Ileitis and Colitis, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, 300 Community Drive, 11030 Manhasset, New York |
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Abstract: | In recent years, 6-MP treatment has been beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since 6-MP and its metabolites interfere with various steps in nucleic acid biosynthesis, chronic use of 6-MP could theoretically alter normal cell turnover, including spermatogenesis. Therefore, we have investigated the effect of daily 6-MP administration on spermatogenesis in the young rat. 6-Mercaptopurine was administered in clinically relevant doses 24 and 40 mg/m2. Testicular weights of rats treated with 24 mg/m2 for 75 days or 40 mg/m2 for 25 days were not significantly different among 6-MP, pair-fed, orad libitum chow-fed groups. Quantitation of the stages of seminiferous tubules or the number of homogenization-resistant, mature spermatids per testis were not affected by 6-MP treatment. In addition, 6-MP had no effect on serum testosterone or on HCG-stimulated testosterone release by the testes. These results suggest that chronic low-dose 6-MP therapy, as used in the treatment of IBD, may not carry as great a risk for suppression of spermatogenesis as theorized. Our study in animals indicates that evaluation of 6-MP and spermatogenesis in man is warranted.This project was funded by a grant from Reach Out for Youth with IBD. |
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Keywords: | 6-MP 6-mercaptopurine IBD, inflammatory bowel disease |
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