Amelioration of Testicular Toxicity of Enrofloxacin with Selenium

The study assessed the ameliorative potential of selenium (Se) against enrofloxacin-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats. Enrofloxacin was administered at the dose of 20 mg and 80 mg/ kg body weight. Two more groups of rats were co-administered with the supranational level of Se in addition to enrofloxacin treatment as above. Enrofloxacin treatment resulted in decreased total sperm count and viability and increased sperm abnormalities. Testicular histopathology revealed enrofloxacin-induced dose-dependent dysregulation of spermatogenesis and the presence of necrotic debris in seminiferous tubules that marginally improved with Se. Enrofloxacin also produced a decrease in testosterone levels. The activity of testicular antioxidant enzymes decreased whereas lipid peroxidation increased dose-dependently. Se supplementation partially restored oxidative stress and sperm damage. The results indicate that enrofloxacin produces a dose-dependent testicular toxicity in rats that is moderately ameliorated with supranutritional Se.