Effects of a conventional aphrodisiac: a twenty eight day repeated administration of Sildenafil citrate graded doses on experimental rats

Abstract

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra), a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I), has long been used as a first-line oral treatment for erectile dysfunction. While it has beneficial effects on the erectile organ, it also has some negative effects on other cells and/or tissues related to the reproductive system when exposed for an extended period of time. The purpose of this study was to study the long term effect of Viagra on sperm parameters in male Wistar albino rats. Twenty (20) albino male Wistar rats were selected into four groups (n=5) randomly. The control group was administered 1 mL/kg of distilled water while 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight of Sildenafil citrate were administered once in a day for 28 days to three treatment groups of rats. Oral administration was done using oropharyngeal cannula once daily for 28 days. At the end of the trial period animals were sacrificed on the 29th day, and epididymal sperm and testes were collected subject to various analytical assays. Findings showed significant reduction in sperm count and sperm normality, with a significant incremental in sperm malformations/abnormality in 28 days Viagra exposed animal when compared to the control. The testicular assay depicted histopathological alterations in testes of male rats treated with Sildenafil citrate at all dose levels. The current study clearly demonstrated that long-term use of Viagra caused changes in sperm quality and quantity, resulting in a decrease in fertility rate. It also suggested that Viagra had an effect on spermatogenesis and epididymal function. Understanding the molecular downstream events involved in long-term PDE5 inhibitor exposure can be useful for supervising infertility related issues and suggesting corrective measures.