Topical Effect of Minoxidil Containing Lotion on Morphofunctional Indicators of Male Rats’ Reproductive System

The problem of alopecia, for treatment of which the use of over the counter lotions containing minoxidil is recommended, is paid considerable attention all over the world. The consumers rarely seek medical advice due to certain psychological barriers. Thus, it contributes to the uncontrolled use of the drugs, and fixation of their side effects becomes impossible. There are isolated reports on the effect of minoxidil containing lotions on male fertility.The Aim. To establish organometric parameters of testes and their paradidymis, functional parameters of spermatozoa in mature rats under topical exposure to a 10% minoxidil containing lotion.Methods. Analytical, toxicological, statistical.Results. It was established that under the conditions of 72-day percutaneous application of 10% minoxidil containing lotion some changes in the reproductive system organs can be observed, which are in particular a decrease in the mass of testes and epididymis, as well as a decrease in organs’ linear size. The total time of motor activity of gametes after exposure to a lotion containing 10% minoxidil has statistically significantly shortened, a 6-fold inhibition of the activity of redox processes occurred in the rats of the experimental group compared to the control one.Conclusions. Taking into consideration the obtained data and the uncontrolled and long-term use of 10% minoxidil containing lotions by men of reproductive age, an in-depth study of its gonadotoxic effects in experimental conditions in combination with epidemiological studies of the patients using these lotions is deemed necessary.Key Words: minoxidil, gonadotoxicity, mature rats.