ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: 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 mice male. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a diet containing sesame seeds on epididymis histological structure of the adult male mice.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen adult male mice were divided into three groups consisting of 5 mice each. Control group, first regime group and second regime group. The control group received a standard diet and the first treatment group received a diet containing 70% standard diet and 30% sesame seeds for 30 days, and the second treatment group received a diet containing 70% standard diet and 30% sesame seeds for 60 days. At the end of the period, the mice were weighed and euthanized, then the epididymis was removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution for histological evaluation. After the usual steps of tissue section preparation, the sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and then the slides were studied and histologically evaluated. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and Tukey's test. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results and Conclusion: The histological results showed that the mean epididymal sperm count of the sesame group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) The mean epididymal diameter of the tubular and epithelium increased in the sesames group compared to the control group (p <0.05). Sesame seeds had no effect body weight of the rats. It seems that sesame having antioxidant properties can directly or indirectly have positive effects on the epididymis and improve fertility.