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Histological and immunohistochemical study on the effect of gibberellic acid on the seminiferous tubules of testis of adult albino rat and the possible protective role of grape seeds proanthocyanidin extract

Background Gibberellic acid (GA) is widely used in Egypt and other countries to increase the growth of many fruits and vegetables. GA can induce disturbances in the testicular enzymes and hormones. Recent studies have revealed that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has a potential protective effect in male reproductive disorders. Aim This work aimed to study the effect of GA on the seminiferous tubules of testis of adult albino rat and to evaluate the possible protective role of GSPE. Materials and methods Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: control group, group II treated with GSPE (100 mg/kg once daily for 4 weeks), group III treated with GA (20 mg/kg once daily for 4 weeks), and group IV concomitantly treated with GSPE and GA with the same dose and duration of previous groups. Specimens from the testes were processed for light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical study was carried out using antibodies against Bcl-2. Results Specimens from GA-treated animals showed disturbance in the normal architecture with obvious structural changes. Some spermatogenic cells appeared disorganized with wide intercellular spaces, and others were exfoliated into the lumen of the tubules. Many spermatogonia showed vacuolated cytoplasm and deeply stained nuclei. Ultrastructurally, the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells showed markedly dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Some primary spermatocytes appeared with vacuolated cytoplasm and dilated perinuclear cisternae. The early spermatids appeared with electron-dense bodies, concentric lamellar formations, and irregular outlined nuclei. Abnormally shaped spermatozoal heads were detected. The immunohistochemical study showed a highly significant decrease in Bcl-2 immunoreaction. In contrast, minimal changes were observed in rats treated concomitantly with both GSPE and GA, with a nonsignificant change in the immunoreaction. Conclusion GA induced structural changes of the seminiferous tubules of the rat testis that could be minimized by the coadministration of GSPE.