Adel Ghoul; Billel Chaouad; Yasmina Benazzoug & Jean-Marie Exbrayat

Studies have shown an association between homocysteine (Hcy) and several pathological conditions, including cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between Hcy and testicular disorders is still unclear. The present study investigated the effects of Hcy on testicular structure. Thirteen adult Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. The control group and the methionine group received an oral solution of L-methionine 200 mg /kg per day for six months. Blood samples and testes were collected for subsequent experiments. Serum levels of Hcy and testosterone were analyzed. We examined the histopathological and immunohistochemical localization of GATA-4, vimentin (VIM), connexin-43 (Cx-43), occludin (OCLN), androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2) in the rat testis. Results showed that rats receiving methionine showed a reduction in body and testicular weights. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of the testicular tissues of methionine group showed altered structure of seminiferous tubules with decreased immunoexpression of Cx-43, GATA-4, OCLN,VIM, AR, ESR1 and ESR2 compared to control. The results suggest that Hcy has a negative effect on the testes with a probable disruption of spermatogenesis.

KEY WORDS: Methionine; Homocysteine; Testis; Tight and gap junctions; Receptors.

GHOUL, A.; CHAOUAD, B.; BENAZZOUG, Y. & EXBRAYAT, J.M. Effects of methionine chronic administration on testicular tissue in rats: A histopathological and immunohistochemical study. Int. J. Morphol., 42(5):1208-1215, 2024.