Investigating the mitigative role of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on spermatogenic indices and fertility in heat stressed male rats

Change in global temperature has become an important factor affecting reproduction both in humans and livestock. The testes and scrotum are known to have an intricate regulatory system that maintains sperm concentration and quality. This study aims to investigate the mitigative effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on testicular histo-architecture and function in male albino rats subjected to increased thermal temperature. Twenty mature male albino rats were divided into four groups of five rats each and treated once daily per os for a period of five weeks. The control (group A) and positive control (group B) maintained an ambient temperature, with group B treated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While the others (groups C & D) were exposed to a temperature of 43°C for 15 mins for every other day, 3 times without and with treatment with Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively. The model of heat exposure used was the moist heat method. The result of the research revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the weight of the testes and epididymis, testicular and epididymal sperm count in the animals exposed with no increase in those administered Saccharomyces cerevisiae, compared to the control. The photomicrograph of the testes showed a regeneration of cells in group D after exposure to heat and treatment with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while group C showed marked degeneration of cells of the seminiferous tubules