The effects of oral ketoconazole and griseofulvin on the fertility of male rabbits

Objectives: To investigate possible side effects of ketoconazole and griseofulvin on fertility of clinically healthy male rabbits.Design: Randomized controlled experimental study.Animals: Thirty mature male rabbits.Procedures: Rabbits were randomly allocated into three equal sized groups (10 animals each). The first group served as a control group (received no treatment), the second group received griseofulvin (25 mg/kg B.W) orally for 30 days, and the third group received ketoconazole (50 mg/kg B.W) orally for 30 days. Semen samples were collected after 1 day, 1 week and 2 weeks post-administration to determine sperm motility, % of live and dead sperms, total sperm abnormalities and sperm cell concentration. Two weeks post-administration, testes and epididymides were removed for histopathological examination.Results: Both drugs produced a significant reduction in the serum testosterone level, sperm cell concentration, percent of live sperms and percent of sperm motility.Conclusion and clinical relevance: Ketoconazole and griseofulvin have a negative impact on fertility of male rabbits, and the effect is more pronounced with ketoconazole.