Influence of Chronic Administration of Chloroquine on Leydig Cell Integrity and Testosterone Profile of Albino Wistar Rats

The effect of chronic administration of chloroquine on leydig cells and plasma testosterone level was examined. Twenty-five albino Wistar rats were divided into five groups –– A, B, C, D and E. Group A animals received a normal dose of 0.57mg per kg body weight of chloroquine for 3 days. Groups B, C and D received chronic doses of 0.57 mg per kg body weight of chloroquine for 4, 5 and 6 days respectively. Group E animals, which served as control, were administered normal saline. Historical examination of the process sections of groups B, C and D indicated numerical reduction of the leydig cells when compared with the control group. Group A appeared normal. The basement membrane of the seminiferous epithelium in groups C, C and D were disrupted, leading to the detachment of many spermatocytes. Groups B, C and D recorded reduced level of plasma testosterone when compared with the control group. However, the concentration of plasma testosterone in group A (2.15 1.63g/ml) and control (2.40 ± 1.48g/ml) were similar. Chromic administration of chloroquine reduced the number of leydig cells with concomitant reduction of testosterone production. It also disrupted seminiferous epithelium, leading to the detachment of spermotocytes. (Afr J Reprod Health 1999; 3 [2]: 97-101) Key Words: Chloroquine, leydig cells, testosterone, seminiferous epithelium