# Subchronic Exposure to Aripiprazole Subtly Impacts on Rodents' Sperm Quality and Fertility

## TL;DR

This study shows that aripiprazole, a mental health drug, may subtly reduce sperm quality and fertility in male rats.

## Contribution

The study reveals new evidence on the subtle reproductive effects of subchronic aripiprazole exposure in rodents.

## Key findings

- Aripiprazole at 6 mg/kg increased seminal vesicle weight and reduced fertility in rats.
- At 3 mg/kg, aripiprazole reduced progressive sperm motility and increased seminiferous tubule diameter.
- The drug may have subtle adverse effects on sperm quality and fertility despite its therapeutic benefits.

## Abstract

Aripiprazole, a third‐generation antidepressant/antipsychotic drug, acts on serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors and is widely prescribed for mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia. Studies indicate that this class of drugs can impact directly on sperm quality and fertility. Then, this study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to aripiprazole on sperm quality and fertility of adult male Wistar rats. Thirty‐six rats were divided into three groups: control, 3 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg of aripiprazole orally exposed for 28 days. Our results showed that aripiprazole significantly increased seminal vesicle weight at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Progressive sperm motility was reduced, and there was an increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Fertility test was reduced at a dose of 6 mg/kg. These findings suggest that although aripiprazole is effective in treating mental disorders, it may have subtle adverse effects on reproduction, especially on sperm quality and fertility, raising concerns about its indiscriminate use at doses higher than those tested.

Aripiprazole, a third‐generation antidepressant/antipsychotic, is widely prescribed for mental disorders, and studies indicate a possible impact on the male reproductive system. Thus, our data show that aripiprazole significantly impacts sperm motility and fertility, suggesting that although effective in treating mental disorders, it may have subtle adverse effects on reproduction, raising concerns about indiscriminate use at doses higher than those tested.