The influence of valproic acid on murine fertility and offspring is well documented: VPA reduces both fertility rate (by 25%) and the number of fetuses. In addition, VPA causes behavioral alterations in rodents similar to the symptoms observed in autism.

General objective: To evaluate the effects of valproic acid on hormonal and sperm parameters in male Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: A total of 24 male Wistar rats weighing between 100 and 300 g were selected. We formed three batches comprising eight male Wistar rats each: (1) a control batch that consumed distilled water; (2) a batch that received 200 mg/kg of AVP; and (3) a batch thatreceived 400 mg/kg of AVP. The animals were treated for thirty days viagavage. At the end of the treatment, the animals in each group were anesthetized, followed by blood sampling (retro-orbital) and organ dissection. Then,their hormonal and sperm parameters were explored.

Results: AVP significantly modifies the weight of the testicles, prostate, epididymis, and spermiduct. The results show necrospermia with a significant difference in the batches treated with AVP at the respective doses as well as the presence of asthenospermia and oligospermia in the batches treated with the respective doses of AVP. Our results reveal a significant decrease in testosterone levels and a non-significant decrease in FSH and LH.

Conclusion: Prolonged administration of AVP at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg to male Wistar rats modifies the weight of the testes and the prostate, leading to a depletion of hormonal and sperm parameters.