Effects of oxycodone hydrochloride on reproductive functions in male wistar rats

Drug iatrogenicity is a constantly evolving phenomenon, affecting several therapeutic classes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of prolonged administration of oxycodone hydrochloride, a central analgesic, on reproductive functions in male rats. Materials and methods: three groups of 5 rats each were created; distilled water 0.5 ml/100g, oxycodone hydrochloride 5 and 10 mg/kg. The different products were administered orally daily for 30 days. The variables studied were: animal behaviour, prostate, testicular and epididymal weights, spermogram parameters and hormonal biomarkers (FSH, LH and testosterone levels). Results: behaviorally and morphologically, the results obtained show that oxycodone hydrochloride at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg causes stiffness of the animals' tails, priaprism and atrophy of the prostate, testicles and epididymis, of which intensity was dose-dependent. On spermogram parameters, oxycodone hydrochloride caused a significant decrease in sperm motility (p<0.001) and in the number of normal spermatozoa (p<0.05). Administration of oxycodone hydrochloride to rats significantly decreased testosterone levels (p<0.05) and an increase in LH levels. Conclusion: Oxycodone hydrochloride, administered to animals at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, causes morphological disturbances of the gonads and related structures, spermogram parameters and gonadal hormones. Keywords: oxycodone hydrochloide, spermatic and hormonal parameters, gonads, rat