Carbamazepine adversely altered the pituitary–testicular axis with resultant reproductive dysfunctions than levetiracetam or carbamazepine–levetiracetam adjuvant treatment in male Wistar rat

This study investigated the on‐toward reactions of individual or adjunctive treatment with carbamazepine (CBZ) and levetiracetam (LEV) on the pituitary–testicular axis in male rats. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were randomised into 4 groups (n = 6) and received daily intraperitoneal (i.p) treatment of normal saline (0.1 ml/day); CBZ (25 mg/kg i.p); LEV (50 mg/kg i.p); or combination of CBZ (12.5 mg/kg) and LEV (25 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The serum concentration of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone was determined. Also, the seminal profile and histomorphological status of the testis were determined. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The control and test groups were compared using Student's t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Student–Newman–Keuls post hoc analysis where appropriate, while the results presented as mean ± SEM in graphs or tables. The level of significance was taken at p