The effects of Acesulfame Potassium injection in the prenatal period on adult spermatogenesis

Abstract

Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the effect of Acesulfame-K administration during pregnancy on spermatogenesis. Methods Four groups of rats were intraperitoneally injected with Ace-K in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight during pregnancy. After lactation, the newborn male rats were divided into the "treated group" which received Ace-K as their mothers had and the "untreated group" which reached puberty naturally. Blood samples were collected and LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were measured. Sperm density, morphology, and motility were evaluated. The histopathology of the testes tissue, weight changes and testis weight to body weight ratios were examined. Results Testosterone had significantly increased in the "treated group" in the 50, 200, 400mg doses. FSH significantly decreased in the "treated group" in the 50, 100mg, and in the "untreated group" in the 50, 200, 400mg doses. Neonatal weight gain up to puberty was significantly higher in the "treated group" in the 50, 200mg doses. There was a significant difference in the weight gain of the pregnant rats in the 200mg dose. A significant difference in the percentage of abnormal sperm was observed in both groups in the 50mg dose. A significant decrease in sperm motility was observed in the "treated group" with 200 and 400mg doses, and significant increase was seen in the "treated group" with the 50 and 100mg doses and the "untreated group" with the 400mg dose. The results show no significant difference in other measurements. Conclusion In this study, changes in hormone levels and spermatogenesis did not necessarily indicate any negative effects of Ace-K on fertility.