Subchronic Exposure to Aripiprazole Subtly Impacts on Rodents' Sperm Quality and Fertility

Aripiprazole, a third-generation antidepressant/antipsychotic drug, acts on serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors and is widely prescribed for mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Studies indicate that this class of drugs can impact directly on sperm quality and fertility. Then, this study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to aripiprazole on sperm quality and fertility of adult male Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into three groups: control, 3 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg of aripiprazole orally exposed for 28 days. Our results showed that aripiprazole significantly increased seminal vesicle weight at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Progressive sperm motility was reduced, and there was an increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Fertility test was reduced at a dose of 6 mg/kg. These findings suggest that although aripiprazole is effective in treating mental disorders, it may have subtle adverse effects on reproduction, especially on sperm quality and fertility, raising concerns about its indiscriminate use at doses higher than those tested.