Testis functions and sexual potentia in langur monkey treated with a combination steroidal contraceptive formulation

Antispermatogenic effects of tolnidamine in langur (Presbytis entellus)

Tolnidamine (50 mg/kg body weight; twice a week; oral) was administered for 90 days to adult male langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus entellus Dufresne) to assess its contraceptive potential. Semen weight, volume, seminal fluid volume, colour, pH and libido remained unchanged. Sperm motility, vitality and morphology were impaired with the advancement of treatment. Sperm density reduced to severe oligospermia following 75-90 days of treatment. Increased number of immature germ cells were also noticed. Resumption of changes to pretreatment range was observed following 90 days of cessation of treatment. However, sperm density remained low all through the recovery period of 150 days. Seminal fructose, ACP, LDH and citric acid concentrations did not change markedly. A significant depletion in GPC and magnesium levels was recorded during treatment and early recovery periods. Alterations in germ cells and Sertoli cells were also observed. A progressive but reversible rise in serum creatinine was evident. Other clinical parameters and body weight response revealed no drug-related alterations. In conclusion, tolnidamine medication induced irreversible inhibition of spermatogenesis.

Limitations in developing gossypol acetic acid as a male contraceptive

Highly purified gossypol acetic acid (5 mg/day; oral) alone and in combination with potassium chloride (0.25 mg/day; oral) was tested in adult male langurs for 120 days to evaluate reversibility of its antifertility action and possible hypokalemia. The treatment resulted in severe oligospermia with impairment of sperm motility. Sperm morphological defects were evident. The functional activities of accessory sex glands and libido remained unimpaired. Occurrence of hypokalemia was found more pronounced in the gossypol alone group. Extensive renal potassium loss was evident and conversely the renal excretion of sodium decreased markedly. The activities of serum transaminases increased significantly. Other parameters of blood and of urine did not show any marked alterations. Complete reversal of the above changes was evident following 90 to 105 days of withdrawal of treatment. In conclusion, the oligospermia achieved was reversible and the hypokalemic response of langurs is similar to human and not related to impurity of the drug.