Effects of aminoguanidine on infertile varicocelized rats: A functional and morphological study

Backgrounds and the purpose of the study: Inducible NO synthase activity has been frequently reported in varicose veins. Aminoguanidine is known to inhibit iNOS. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of aminoguanidine on varicocelized rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into groups A, B, C, D, E, and F (control group). Groups A, B, C, and D rats underwent left varicocele induction with a 20-gauge needle. Group E (sham) rats underwent a similar procedure, but the renal vein was left intact. Ten weeks after varicocele induction, sperm parameters were evaluated in groups D, E, and F. Groups A and B received 50 mg/kg aminoguanidine or placebo, respectively, daily for 10 weeks. After 10 and 20 weeks of varicocele induction, the fertility outcomes of the experimental groups were evaluated. Results: The values of the sperm parameters did not differ significantly between groups B and D, but were significant when compared with groups F and E (P ≤ 0.05). The values of the sperm parameters of groups F and E showed no significant changes (P ≤ 0.05). The changes between group A and groups B and D were significant (P ≤ 0.05). Ten weeks after varicocele induction, rats of groups A, B, and C were still fertile. After 20 weeks, only half of the rats in group A were fertile. Conclusions: Aminoguanidine improved the sperm parameters and mating outcomes in vari-cocelized rats.