Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Semen parameters, fertility and testosterone levels in male rats exposed prenatally to betamethasone

Full text
Author(s):
Piffer, Renata C. [1, 2] ; Garcia, Patricia C. [1, 2] ; Gerardin, Daniela C. C. [2] ; Kempinas, Wilma G. [3] ; Pereira, Oduvaldo C. M. [1, 2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Botucatu Med Sch, Dept Clin Med, BR-18618000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Dept Pharmacol, Inst Biosci, BR-18618000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Dept Morphol, Inst Biosci, BR-18618000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT; v. 21, n. 5, p. 634-639, 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 17
Abstract

The present study investigated the long-term effects of prenatal betamethasone exposure on sperm quality and count, fertility and plasma testosterone levels in adult male rats. Pregnant rats received 0.1 mg kg(-1) betamethasone on Days 12, 13, 18 and 19 of pregnancy. This treatment impaired sperm quality, sperm production, fertility and plasma testosterone levels in adult male offspring compared to the control group. Thus, the results of the present study indicate that the long-term effects of prenatal betamethasone exposure may be deleterious to offspring. The consequent decrease in testosterone production during adulthood, in association with damaged semen parameters, may explain for the observed decrease in the capacity of adult male offspring to themselves generate viable descendants. (AU)