Session Speaker

Effect of Amlodipine, A Calcium Channel Antagonist on Gonadal Steroid of Male Wistar Albino Rats
Onwuka F.C. , Patrick-Iwuanyanwu K.C, Nnnodu C.K, Erhabor O.
Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of prolonged intake of calcium channel blocker amlodipine, an anti-hypertensive drug on Gonadal steroid (Steroid hormone; testosterone) of male albino rats. Three different concentrations of amlodipine (0.01, 0.02 and 0.03mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to three different groups (B, C and D) of experimental male wistar albino rats (n=8) for six weeks while group A rats (n=8) served as the control.The administration of amlodipine significantly reduced testosterone level in the following order, group A (0.22 ± 0.01) > B (0.18 ± 0.01) > C (0.14 ± 0.01) > D (0.10 ± 0.01). The reduction in testosterone levels corresponded with an increase in the concentration of amlodipine administered to male wistar albino rats. The observation in this study reveals that prolonged administration of amlodipine could be anti-reproductive and this can be attributed to low libido experienced by hypertensive patients who are on prolonged or permanent hypertensive drug therapy.