Does a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue prevent cisplatin-induced spermatogenic impairment? An experimental study in the mouse.

The cytotoxic effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cisplatin, CDDP) on spermatogenesis in BALB/C mice, and possible protection of the testes by leuprolide acetate (D-Leu-6 LHRH(1-9)-ethylamide, TAP-144, leuprolide), a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, were examined. Temporary interruption of the pituitary-gonadal axis by the analogue and amelioration of the gonadal toxicity of cisplatin by reducing the cell division rate in spermatogenesis were expected. The results showed cisplatin to have a cytotoxic effect on spermatogenic cells in BALB/C mice. The administration of leuprolide had no effect on testicular weight or histological findings in the mouse testes. Pretreatment and simultaneous administration of leuprolide did not reduce the damaging effect of cisplatin on the testes in mice. This is at variance with a previously published report.