Reversible Suppression of Fertility in Male Rats by Salbutamol, A Selective β-Adrenoceptor Agonist

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of j1-adrenergic agonists as male contraceptives acting via epididymis. This was tested in rats with salbutamol which was applied directly to the epididymis using silastic rods containing 50% drug. Two doses were used (lx50% drug/epididymis and 2x50% drug/epididymis). The higher dose had no significant effect on fertility. Lower dose, on the other hand, reduced fertility temporarily (on days 3 and 7 following the insertion of rods) without concomittant loss of libido, potency, motility of sperm, ejaculated sperm count or post-implantation losses. However, the antifertility effect was accompanied with a significant loss in pre-implantation losses. It is concluded that salbutamol induced antifertility action resulted from an inhibition on the fertiIising competence of sperm due to changes in the secretory profile of the epididymis.