Effects of ketoconazole (an imidazole antifugal agent) on the fertility and reproductive function of male mice.

Administration of ketoconazole, an imidazole antifungal agent (400 mg/kg b.wt. orally for a period of 60 days) resulted in a significant decline in sperm motility and density in cauda epididymis. A sharp decline in fertility (50% negative) in Ketoconazole treated mice was observed. A significant reduction in the total protein and sialic acid contents of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate were noticed. The cholesterol contents of testes were raised while fructose contents of seminal vesicle were reduced significantly. The ketoconazole treatment altered the biochemical milieu of the reproductive tract. The mechanism of action is discussed.