Evaluation of the Histological Effects of Allium Cepa Administration on the Cauda Epididymis and Semen Analysis of Male Albino Rats Induced with Ciprofloxacin

Abstract

The overall aim of the study is to investigate the effects of the Allium cepa extract on ciprofloxacin-induced visceral organs (epididymis) toxicity of albino rats. In this study, a total of 100 albino rats weighing 150-250g was used. All animals were treated in accordance with the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care. The rats were divided into control group and experimental group. The experimental group was divided into four groups of 20 rats each i.e groups A, B, C, D, and E. While group A was control, B was experimental group receiving ciprofloxacin only, C was receiving Ciprofloxacin and 100mg Allium cepa extract, D were receiving  Ciprofloxacin and 200mg Allium cepa extract and E was  receiving  Allium cepa extract only, group B, C and D were receiving 22.86 mg/kg oral ciprofloxacin (500 mg/tablet) produced by Fidson Health Care Ltd. was  obtained from a reputable pharmaceutical store (Rehoboth Pharmacy Ltd) in Ekpoma Edo State, via gavage. The control group received only water and food. The dosages of ciprofloxacin was similar to those used in human therapy. Sperm Analysis, were done using standard laboratory procedures. Tissue Preparation was euthanized by cervical dislocation. The testes of the entire rats was quickly removed, rinsed with saline solution (0.9%), and fixed in formalin 10%. The longitudinal section of the testes was obtained and processed in Histopathology Laboratory, Histopathology Department of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. The processed tissues was embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 4 𝜇m thickness, and placed on frosted glass slides for further evaluation. The tissue macroscopic alterations was also analyzed. The samples (Cauda Epidydymis) were stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. The results showed that  the baseline weight, weight before acclimatization, weight after administration of control and test subjects were 236.0±0.27g, 229.0±0.18g and 229.0±0.18g respectively for control subjects. Of all the test groups only baseline weight decrease of group D and weight before acclimatization increase of group C were found statistically significant (p<0.05 and p<0.001 respectively) when compared with their respective control. The Sperm count, Normal Sperm morphology and abnormal Sperm morphology  of control and test subjects in which the Mean±SEM of Sperm count, Normal Sperm morphology and abnormal Sperm morphology were  1.557 ×106±1.11, 65.00±6.46 and 35.00±6.46 respectively for control subjects. Sperm count, Normal Sperm morphology and abnormal Sperm morphology for test subjects had no significant change(p>0.05) when compared with their respective control. In conclusion, this study suggests that the exposure to ciprofloxacin and allium  cepa at mild or moderate doses could cause severe histopathological changes in the epididymis. While onions toxicity could lead so severe biochemical and histological changes.