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Rohypnol‐induced sexual dysfunction is via suppression of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐testicular axis: An experimental study in rats
Author(s) -
Oluwole David Tolulope,
Akhigbe Roland Eghoghosoa,
Ajayi Ayodeji Folorunsho
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
andrologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1439-0272
pISSN - 0303-4569
DOI - 10.1111/and.13931
Subject(s) - ejaculation , medicine , luteinizing hormone , endocrinology , hormone , sexual dysfunction , testosterone (patch) , erectile dysfunction , sexual function , hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis , sperm , infertility , andrology , biology , pregnancy , genetics
Sexual activity is an essential part of reproductive functions and needed for the maintenance of fertility. Drugs, particularly substances of abuse, impair male reproductive function either by interrupting hormonal functions or through the nonhormonal pathways. This study evaluated the impact of Rohypnol use in sexual behaviour. Materials and methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats of comparable weights (180–200 g) were randomly allocated into three groups, the control and low‐dose and high‐dose Rohypnol‐treated groups. The control group received 0.5 ml of distilled water, while the low‐ and high‐dose Rohypnol‐treated groups received 2 mg/kg b.w and 4 mg/kg b.w of Rohypnol via oral lavage once daily for 28 days. Rohypnol significantly increased mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency and post‐ejaculatory interval, as well as lowered mount frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation frequency. Rohypnol‐induced sexual dysfunction was found to be associated with significant suppression of circulatory follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, testosterone and oestrogen. The present study reveals that Rohypnol induces sexual dysfunction through suppression of hypothalamic – pituitary – testicular axis. It also implicates Rohypnol as a potential candidate for drug‐induced infertility.