Carbamazepine-exposure during gestation and lactation affects pubertal onset and spermatic parameters in male pubertal offspring

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is an anti-epileptic drug that acts on Leydig cells, affecting steroidogenesis and causes fetal malformation. the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CBZ on male sexual maturation and other male parameters. Rat dams were treated with CBZ during pregnancy and breastfeeding. the anogenital distance (AGD) and the anogenital index (AGI) were obtained. Testicular descent and preputial separation were also evaluated. the offspring was euthanized at PND 41 and 63. the accessory glands were weighed and the testes were collected for histopathological, morphometric and sterological analyses. the numerical density of Leydig cells and hormone dosage were obtained. CBZ caused an increase of AGI and a delay of testicular descent and of preputial separation. CBZ also caused a decrease of testosterone level and of sperm count and an increase of abnormal sperm. These results indicate that CBZ delays puberty onset and affects steroidogenesis and sperm quality. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Morphol & Genet, Dev Biol Lab, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Morphol & Genet, Dev Biol Lab, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2012/05905-9Web of Scienc