Effects of Atropine on Fertility of Male Rats

Abstract

Insertion of silastic rods containing 25% and 50% atropine adjacent to the epididymis of rats produced a significant suppression in fertility which was temporary with the lower dose and permanent with the higher dose. Both doses also impaired the motility of epididymal spermatozoa and nervemediated contractile response of isolated vasa deferentia. In addition, the higher dose caused a significant reduction in the mating frequency. It is concluded that the antifertility effect resulted primarily from oligospermia due to dysfunotioning of seminal emission and/or ejaculation.