Effects of MDMA treatment and cessation on sexual behaviour and testicular functions in male sprague-dawley rats.

BACKGROUND

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant known for its social and empathogenic effects. However, its long-term impact on sexual performance and reproductive functions remain controversial.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the effects of chronic MDMA exposure and subsequent withdrawal on sexual behaviour, reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and testicular histology in male rats were investigated.

METHODS

Fifteen male rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 rats/group): control (distilled water-treated), MDMA-treated (100 mg/kg orally for 30 days), and MDMA-withdrawal (100 mg/kg of MDMA for 30 days followed by 30-day drug-free recovery). Sexual behaviour was assessed every ten days for 60 days. Epididymal sperm suspension analysis, serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation interleukins 1beta, 6, and 10 (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum and testes, and histological evaluations of testes were performed.

RESULTS

MDMA significantly enhanced sexual behavioural parameters (mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies) during exposure, but these declined with drug withdrawal. Sperm count and motility decreased following MDMA treatment, with partial recovery after withdrawal. Oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, MDA) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly increased while antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, total thiol] were significantly decreased both in the serum and testes. MDMA also suppressed LH, FSH, and testosterone levels, while histological analysis showed reduced spermatid populations, which improved post-cessation.

CONCLUSION

MDMA elicits prosexual effects that was accompanied by low epididymal sperm quality, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal suppression during exposure. Nonetheless, partial recovery occurred following MDMA cessation, suggesting potential long-term reproductive risks.