OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Shengjingbao on spermatogenesis in the mouse model of oligospermia and its action mechanisms.

METHODSSixty male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, Shengjingbao (Group 1), Vitamin E (Group 2), blank model control (Group 3) and normal blank control (Group 4). The first three groups were treated by celiac injection of cyclophosphamide for 5 successive days to make models, followed by intragastric administration of Shengjingbao and Vitamin E to Group I and 2, respectively, for 36 days. And then all the mice were sacrificed. The serum testosterone (T) level was determined by radioimmunology, and a suspension was made from the testis and epididymis of one side for sperm analysis, while the testis of the other side was sliced up and stained by HE method and TUNEL technique to detect the count of Leydig cells, the layers of spermatogenic epithelia and the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.

RESULTSCompared with Group 3, the serum T level, the layers of spermatogenic epithelia and the count of Leydig cells were obviously improved and even exceeded those in Group 2. The positive expression rate of spermatogenic cell apoptosis in Group 1 was evidently lower than Group 2 and 3. The above differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but no significant difference was noted between Group 1 and 4.

CONCLUSIONShengjingbao can significantly increase the count of Leydig cells, elevate the T level that influences the layers of spermatogenic epithelia, and thus enhance spermatogenesis. The action mechanisms of Shengjingbao may lie in its capacity of inhibiting the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, increasing the layers of spermatogenic epithelia and facilitating spermatogenesis. T may play a role in inhibiting the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.