Effects of gossypol on the antioxidant defense system of the rat testis.

This study examined the effects of gossypol acetic acid on the antioxidant defense system of the rat testis. In gossypol-treated animals testis catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase are the two enzymes that protect against oxidative damage by hydrogen peroxide. Other antioxidants that were reduced in treated animals were glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbate. Gossypol, a pigment of cottonseed and cottonseed products, causes infertility in humans and many animal species, but its mechanism of action is unknown. Gossypol is known to produce reactive oxygen species in vitro. Oxidative injury caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species and a compromised antioxidant defense system may be responsible for the antifertility effects of gossypol.