Function of spermatogenic promotion of lycium barbarum polysaccharide on mice with spermatogenesis impairment

Objective To study the effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on the function of spermatogenesis and spermatogonial stem cells. Methods Totally 92 of 120 male Kunming mice were randomly selected and treated with 35 mg/kg busulfan to build the animal model with spermatogenesis impairment. And 14 mice were selected as solvent control, 16 selected as normal control. After 40 d, the model animals were randomly divided into spontaneous recovery group (n=23), LBP low-dose group (n=16, 75 mg/kg), LBP middle-dose group (n=19, 150 mg/kg), LBP high-dose group (n=16, 300 mg/kg). After treatment for 70 d (two spermatogenic cycles), the changes of physiological status and reproductive function were observed. Results In terms of the appearance, behaviors, body weight, reproductive organs, sperm count in epididymis, sperm count in testis, histology and morphology of testis and expression of c-kit, three kinds dosages of LBP group were better than the spontaneous recovery group with dose-effect relationship, but still not achieve the level of normal control. Conclusion LBP can promote the spermatogenic function on the busulfan-treated infertile mouse, and increase the spermatogonial stem cells, quality of sperm in epididymis and sperm count in testis. Key words: Medlar; Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP); Busulfan; Spermatogenesis impairment; c-kit