Abstract

Amini Mahabadi J., Khodayari, M., Hassani Bafrani H.*, Nikzad, H. and Taherian A.

Sesamin is a major lignan constituent of sesame seed and considered as a key factor in a number of beneficial effects on human health. The intake of sesame leaves has been shown to improve and increase epididymal spermatocytes reserve in adult male Sprague Dawley rats. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a diet containing sesame seeds on epididymis histological structure of the adult wistar rat. Thirty adult male rats were divided into two groups consisting of 15 rats each. The regime group received a diet containing 30% sesame seeds, while the control group received a standard diet for 12 weeks. The right epididymis was removed and minced into several pieces in a specimen bottle containing normal saline for a few minutes to allow the sperm to swim out. Sperm parameters, sperm count and motility was determined. The left epididymis was divided into three sections and fixed into bouin's solution for histological evaluations. Serum Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were estimated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques while testosterone concentration was determined using a Chemo-luminence method. The body weight gain during the treatment period did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mean epididymal sperm motility and count of the experimental group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) when compared to the control group. LH levels were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to control group. No significant changes in FSH and testosterone levels were reported. The mean epididymal diameter of the tubular, lumen and epithelium in three parts were not significantly different (p > 0.05) when the regime group was compared to the control group. From our study, we can conclude that the consumption of sesame seeds improves sperm parameters (motility and count) and increases LH levels. Sesame seeds had no effect on epididymal tissue and body weight of the rats.