Histological and Immunohistochemical Examination of the Effect of the Nonsteroidal Antiandrogen Flutamide on Some Organs of the Male Reproductive System in Albino Rats

The document summarizes a study that investigated the impact of flutamide, a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, on the male reproductive system of albino rats. Sixty rats were divided into a control group and experimental groups, with the latter receiving daily oral doses of flutamide for 2, 4, and 6 weeks. The study found that flutamide led to a significant reduction in body weight and androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity, while increasing estrogen receptor (ER) immunoreactivity. Histological changes included shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, germ cell depletion, and dilated blood vessels in the testes, as well as a decrease in the height of epithelial cells and a decrease in the PAS reaction in the epididymis. These findings suggest that flutamide has multiple effects on the male reproductive organs, potentially affecting fertility, and warrant further investigation.