Exogenous melatonin administration is beneficial for male reproductive function during normal ageing

Abstract

Background: A concern in the use of exogenous melatonin as a therapeutic intervention is that it may interfere with reproductive function. Herein, we report that chronic exogenous melatonin administration does not impair male reproductive function during ageing and at old age in male Sprague Dawley rats.
Methods: Reproductive function was assessed from spermatozoa derived from the cauda epididymis in 3 months, 9 months, 12 months and 24 months old male Sprague Dawley rats after 0.1mg/kg melatonin administration for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by Student’s unpaired t-test.
Results: Sperm motility and sperm count was preserved in 3 months, 9 months, 12 months and 24 months old rats compared with untreated controls (P>0.05). The 24 months old rats showed high levels of sperm motility and count with melatonin treatment.
Conclusion: We conclude that exogenous melatonin administration preserves male reproductive function during ageing in male Sprague Dawley rats.

Keywords: Melatonin, sperm count, sperm motility, normal ageing