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: [email protected])
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
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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
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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.
Acknowledgments
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the technical staffs
of Anatomy Department OOU, Ikenne Ogun-State Nigeria,
for their support in execution of this work.
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