Sciknow Publications Ltd. HC 2014, 2(2):47-51 DOI: 10.12966/hc.05.06.2014 Health Care ©Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) Effects of Tetracycline on Body Weight and Accessory Reproductive Organ Weights (Prostate Gland and Seminal Vesicle) of Adult Male Wistar Rats Popoola Oladele Biliamin1,*, Ajayi Ruth Taiwo1, Akinyemi Raphael Akinsola2, Oguntoye Shemilore Gbenga1, Huthman Ibrahim Oluwaseun3 1 Department of Anatomy, Olabisi Onabanjo University (Ikenne), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State Nigeria Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria 3 Department of Community Health, Sultan Abdur-Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa, Sokoto State, Nigeria 2 *Corresponding author (Email: genuinescripts@gmail.com) Abstract - Tetracycline is a class of broad spectrum antibiotic drug effective against strains of streptococci, gram negative, bacilli, rickettsias, spirochetes etc. They are used to treat urogenital tract infections (UTIs) and bronchitis. This study accesses the effect of the drug on the body weights and some accessory reproductive organs in adult male wistar rats. Fifteen adult wistar rats weighing between 165 and 195g were divided equally into three groups. Group A served as the control that received no treatment, while the experimental groups B and C received 0.02g/Kg b.w (low dose) and 0.04g/Kg b.w (high dose) of tetracycline respectively for fourteen (14) days. The results showed significant increase in the body weights as well as the accessory sexual organ weights of rats in the induced groups (Group B & C) when compared to those in the controlled group, at p<0.05. All results were expressed as Mean ± Standard Deviation (S.D) for each group. All grouped data were statistically evaluated using SPSS 15.0 software. Hypothesis testing methods included the independent – samples t–test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Keywords - Tetracycline, Antibiotics, Accessory reproductive organs, Broad Spectrum. 1. Introduction Tetracycline is an antibiotic drug (is a broad-spectrum polyketide antibiotic produced by the Streptomyces genus of Actinobacteria) use in the treatment of various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, trachoma and gonorrhea (Weinstein, 1968). Tetracycline is also sometimes used to treat early stages of Lyme disease, acne, gum disease, and certain gastrointestinal ulcers (Dowling, 1955). It is a protein synthesis inhibitor, works by interfering with the invading bacteria’s ability to form essential proteins, thereby halting their growth (Kucers, 1972). Fig. 1. Chemical structure of tetracycline Tetracycline is available by prescription in capsule form, taken orally, and in a reconstituted powder solution, applied topically. Typical capsule dosages range from 1 to 2 g per day, taken in one to four doses, with a recommended maximum of 48 Health Care (2014) 47-51 4 g per day. Unless this drug causes stomach upset, it should be taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal) with a full glass of water. It should not be combined with milk or other dairy products. Tetracycline usually relieves symptoms after 48 hours of treatment, but it should be taken for the prescribed length of time to avoid recurrence of infection (Kucers, 1972). However, use of tetracycline during tooth development may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth and enamel, hypoplasia and retardation of skeletal development and bone growth with risk being the greatest for children <4 years and those receiving high doses; use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (e.g., elderly) (Cuddihy, 1994). Patients with severe liver disease or pregnant or breast-feeding women should not take this drug. Patients with impaired liver or kidney function or with systemic lupus erythematosus should use tetracycline with caution (Gardner et al., 1995). Its adverse effects may include; Pericarditis, increase in intracranial pressure, bulging fontanels in infants, pseudotumor cerebri, paresthesia, photosensitivity, pruritus, pigmentation of nails, exfoliative dermatitis, diabetes insipidus syndrome, discoloration of teeth and enamel hypoplasia (young children), nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, esophagitis, anorexia, abdominal cramps, antibiotic-associated pseudo membranous colitis, staphylococcal enterocolitis, pancreatitis, thrombophlebitis, hepatotoxicity, acute renal failure, azotemia, renal damage, anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions, candidal super infection (Gardner et al., 1995; Wandstrat & Phillips, 1995; Yoshikawa, 1990) etc. Tetracycline may interact adversely with antacids and other common gastrointestinal medications, oral contraceptives, blood thinners, lithium, penicillin, isotretinoin, cholestyramine, and sucralfate (Seymour & Heasman, 1995). In addition, tetracycline has been confirmed as one of the groups of drugs known to induce microvesicular steatosis, causing a significant fat retention in the body (Yin et al., 2006). Prostate Gland is a chestnut-shaped male organ, which lies between the urinary bladder and the pelvic floor surrounding the prostatic urethra. It is a compound tubuloalveoli exocrine gland of male reproductive system in most mammals (Roman, Alfred Sherwood: Parson & Thomas, 1977; Tsukise A, 1984). It’s homologue in females is the parauretral glands or Skene’s gland (Flam, 2006). Just as the prostate gland expels prostatic fluid in males during orgasm, the gland does same in the female as well (Kratothvile, 1994). The mean weight of the normal prostate in adult males is about 11grams, usually ranging between 7 and 16grams (Leissner & Tisell, 1979). Generally, the prostate can be divided in two ways: by zone, or by lobe (Instant Anatomy, 2007). The lymph vessels of the prostate drain into internal iliac lymph nodes (Aare Mehik, 2001). Prostate gland represents the modified wall of the proximal portion of the male urethra and arises by the 9th week of embryonic life in the development of the reproductive system (Aare Mehik, 2001). The prostate gland has glandular tissues and fibrous and muscular tissues around the glands. The ducts from the glands converge and open into the prostatic urethra (Moore and Persuad, 2008). The prostate gland produces a secretion known as prostatic fluid, which is slightly acidic, milky or whitish in appearance that constitutes 20-30% of the volume of semen along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid (Chemical Composition of Human Semen and the Secretion of the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles; 2010). The alkalization of the semen is accomplished through secretion from the seminal vesicles. Prostate fluid also helps to keep sperm, which is found in semen, healthy and lively, thereby increasing the chances that fertilization will occur. The prostate fluid nurtures and protects sperm during transport to potential ovum fertilization (Semen Analysis; 2009). The seminal vesicles or vesicular glands (Frandson, Wilke, & Fails 2009) are a pair of simple tubular glands posteroinferior to the urinary bladder of male mammals, located within the pelvis. Each seminal gland spreads approximately 5 cm, though the full length of seminal vesicle is approximately 10 cm, but curled up inside of the gland's structure. The excretory duct of seminal gland opens into the vas deferens as it enters the prostate gland. Seminal vesicles secrete a significant proportion of the fluid that ultimately becomes semen. Lipofuscin granules from dead epithelial cells give the secretion its yellowish color. About 50-70% (Kierszenbaum, Abraham, 2002) of the seminal fluid in humans originates from the seminal vesicles, but is not expelled in the first ejaculate fractions which are dominated by spermatozoa and zinc-rich prostatic fluid. Seminal vesicle fluid is mildly alkaline (Chemical Composition of Human Semen and the Secretion of the Prostate and Seminal Vesicles; 2010). The alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the lifespan of sperm. Acidic ejaculate (pH <7.2) may be associated with Ejaculatory duct obstruction. The vesicle produces a substance that causes the semen to become sticky/jelly-like after ejaculation, which is thought to be useful in keeping the semen near the womb (Cox RM, John-Alder HB, 2005). 2. Subjects and Methods 2.1. Management A total number of 15 adult male wistar rats weighing between 165 and 195g were used in this study, with the experiment lasting for a period of four weeks. The animals were procured from the breeding stock of the department of anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso haven observed to be all physically healthy. Upon procurement, the rats were kept at the animal house provided by the Department of Anatomy, Olabisi Onabanjo University and divided into three groups of 5 animals each (groups A, B and C) for a period of two weeks acclimatization and two weeks of induction (orally). They were fed with standard commercial rat pellet. Food, water and air were given ad libitum. The animal room was well ventilated with a temperature range of 25-27 ºc. Health Care (2014) 47-51 49 saline. The weight of the tetracycline was obtained using an 2.2. Drug Administration electronic sensitive balance. Tetracycline was obtained from a general pharmacy store in Animals were anaesthetized with chloroform in closed Lagos. The drug was made in China under the trade name chamber. The thoracic vertebrate was opened under aseptic LIFLIN® by YANGZHOU PHARMACY COMPANY LTD condition; the same procedure was performed throughout China, composing of 250g tetracycline hydrochloride. Rats in with prostate glands and seminal vesicles removed and groups B & C received tetracycline treatment for 14days weighed. continually at a dosage following reference. Solutions of All results were expressed as Mean ± standard deviation different doses of the drugs were made by dissolving the (S.D) for each group. All grouped data were statistically content of the capsules in normal saline and administered evaluated using SPSS 15.0 software. Hypothesis testing meorally. Group A (control group) animals were not induced; thods included the independent – samples t–test. Statistical group B (low dose group) were induced orally with significance was set at P < 0.05. 0.02g/Kg body weight of tetracycline; and group C (high dose) were also induced orally with 0.04g/kg body weight of tetracycline; with the body weights measured at every day of 3. Results induction. The dosages were both dissolved in 1ml of normal Table 1. Total body weight (g) of experimental rat groups at the 1 st, 7th & 14th days Experimental Groups Group A (Control) Group B (Low dose) Group C (High dose) N 5 5 5 1st day 183.40 ±0.52 182.10 ±1.51◄ 185.00 ±0.54 β, π 7th day 185.50 ±1.74 187.10 ±1.81 α 192.50 ±1.58 β, π 14th day 188.70 ±0.18 193.30 ±0.19 α 202.70 ±1.37 β, π The means of the groups were compared using T-test at P < 0.05 ◄- there no statistical significant difference between group A and group B α- there is a statistical significant difference between group A and group B β- there is a statistical significant difference between group A and group C π- there is a statistical significant difference between group B and group C MEAN WEIGHT ± SD 205 200 195 190 Group A (Control) 185 Group B (Low Dose) 180 Group C (High Dose) 175 170 1st Day 7th Day 14th Day DAYS OF INDUCTION Fig. 2. Graphical representation of Total body weight (g) of experimental rat groups at the 1 st, 7th & 14th days Table 2. Prostate gland weight per 100g Body Weight of the Groups Experimental Groups Group A (Control) Group B (Low dose) Group C (High dose) Number of rats 5 5 5 The means of the groups were compared using T-test at P < 0.05 α- There is a statistical significant difference between group A and group B β- There is a statistical significant difference between group A and group C π- There is a statistical significant difference between group B and group C Mean ±S.D 0.2 ± 0.01 0.31 ± 0.01 α 0.4 ± 0.01 β, π 50 Health Care (2014) 47-51 0.25 Mean ± SD 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Group A Group B Group C Experimental Groups Fig. 3. Graphical Illustration of the changes in Prostate gland weights (per 100g Body Weight) in each group Table 3. Seminal vesicle weight per 100g Body Weight of the Groups Experimental Groups Group A (Control) Group B (Low dose) Group C (High dose) Number of rats 5 5 5 Mean ±S.D 0.16 ± 0.01 0.14 ± 0.03◄ 0.20 ± 0.01 β, π The means of the groups were compared using T-test at P < 0.05 ◄- There no statistical significant difference between group A and group B β- There is a statistical significant difference between group A and group C π- There is a statistical significant difference between group B and group C 0.25 Mean ± SD 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Group A Group B Group C Experimental Groups Fig. 4. Graphical Illustration of the changes in Seminal vesicle weights (per 100g Body Weight) in each group Health Care (2014) 47-51 4. Discussion From the figures obtainable in Table 1; one would observe an apparent significant increase in the animals’ body weight, especially in the induced groups as compared to the controlled group subjects. The increase in body weights appears to be dosage and days dependent. At a glance, Table 2 displays significant increase in the weights of prostate gland, in both groups B and C as compared to those in the controlled group A. this same inference is applies to seminal vesicles as seen in Table 3. The inference haven drawn from the results affirm the validity of tetracyclines as a group of drugs causing significant fat retention in the body as reported by Yin, H. Q et.al (Yin et al, 2006). 5. Conclusion This work suggests regular intake of tetracycline as an important factor contributing to fat retention in the body, as observed among the wistar rats. Hence, regular intake of tetracycline might be a cogent factor in body fats retention as well as fats deposition within accessory sexual organs in man. Further research upon this drug might be of benefit in weight loss therapy and reproductive health. 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