Histomorphology of Testes in Honey Treated Adult Male Albino Rats

Anulika Onyemelukwe, Rita Ogu, Nkiruka Azubuike, Cornelius Ogu, Okechukwu Onwukwe, Udoh Iniekong, Basil Udeh, Peter Achukwu and Ikenna Uchendu

Objective: Present study was conducted to examine the histomorphology of testes and serum testosterone levels of adult male albino rats fed with honey. Materials and Methods: The albino rats were divided into four groups of eight per cage. Controls received drinking water. Groups A, B and C were fed with 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 mL kg^–1 b.wt. of honey respectively twice a day, orally for four and eight weeks. Blood samples were obtained from 4 rats per group for testosterone estimation. Testes were excised for histomorphology. Results: After eight weeks, testes from control and honey-treated rats showed normal histoarchitecture, whereas four-week honey-treated rats showed decreased prominence of seminiferous tubules with prominent sertoli cells and reduction of leydig cells. After four weeks, honey-treated rats showed significant elevation in serum testosterone level (p<0.05), but after eight-week, no significant change (p>0.05) was observed, compared to controls. Conclusion: Honey consumption could have a short-term positive effect on testosterone secretion and may lead to hyperactive testicular cells.

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