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Evaluation of the antifertility activity of the broom Spartium junceum in the mammalian male

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

B. Baccetti*
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
A.G. Burrini
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
J.S. Chen
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
G. Collodel
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
D. Giachetti
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
F. Matteucci
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
M.G. Menesini-Chen
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
E. Moretti
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
P. Piomboni
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
C. Sensini
Affiliation:
Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Siena, Italy
*
Professor Baccio Baccetti, Istituto Biologia Generale and Centro Studio Cellule Germinali, CNR, Via T. Pendola 62, 53100 Siena, Italy. Telephone: 0039 577 284173. Fax: 0039 577 44474.

Summary

Male adult rabbits and rats treated with Spartium junceum showed a significant decrease in fertility, demonstrated by a lower number of pregnancies. The target of the drug seems to be the acrosomal protease system, the activity of which appears greatly reduced, while the morphology of testicular cells and epididymal spermatozoa is only partially affected. The antifertility effect is completely reversible.

Type
Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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