Histopathologic effects of Anastrozole an aromatase enzyme inhibitor on rat testicles

In this study, the effect of a selective aromatase inhibitors ''anastrozole'' thought to be useful in the treatment of male infertility, was investigated on rats, histopathologically. Twenty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups (7 rats in each; control and 3 treatment groups). Anastrozole was given to treatment groups (3 different dose schedule) for 21 days. At the end of 21 days, the testes were excised and examined histopathologically. We found a decrease in testis volume in high dose group. A statistically significant change could not be shown between groups for testicular histology. The basal lamina of the testes were found to be unchanged. The treatment in rats leads to volume decrease in testes. This finding could not be explained in the light of this study, and needs further evaluation, maybe with synchroneous hormonal evaluation.