Effect of imatinib on the reproductive function in male swiss albino mice

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may cause transient or permanent testicular dysfunction when used in treatment of cancer. Like other anticancer agents tyrosine kinase inhibitors are genotoxins and induce irreversible effect on genetic makeup and may have carcinogenic potential. This is alarmingly dangerous in youth and children, since these effects last longer, affecting fertility or forming basis for carcinogenesis. There is paucity of reports on planned study of imatinib on testicular function. Hence the study was planned to assess the effects of imatinib on sperm morphology in male swiss albino mice. Methods: Male swiss albino mice were treated with imatinib and sacrificed at the end of 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th, 5^th, 7^th and 10^th week after the last exposure to imatinib. Testes were removed; cauda epididymis was separated and processed for sperm morphology assay. Results: There was significant but reversible decrease in sperm motility and count. There was a significant increase in abnormal sperms with all the doses of imatinib. Conclusion: Imatinib does affect sperm morphology significantly, but this effect is reversible once the drug is withdrawn.