Original Article

Moclobemide-induced gynecomastia in rats

Xiao-Chao Ma, Ying Wang, Jian-Hua Liu, Zeng-Hong Tu

Abstract

"AIM:
To study the toxic effect of moclobemide on male breast and to elucidate its mechanism of action.
METHODS:
Routine histopathological analysis was used to diagnose the effect of moclobemide on male breast in rats. Plasma concentrations of estrogen, androgen, and prolactin were measured by a ratioimmunometer and relative receptors of mammary gland tissue were detected immunohistochemically.
RESULTS:
After 180-d moclobemide treatment, the presence of gynecomastia was 0, 5, 5, 7/10 rats in 0, 60, 240, and 600 mg/kg groups, respectively. After 30-d convalescence, only one rat in 600 mg/kg group got the incidence of gynecomastia. Serum prolactin concentration had a trend to decrease with increasing dose and prolactin receptors in mammary gland were up-regulated.
CONCLUSION:
Long-term treatment with moclobemide causes gynecomastia in rats, which is reversible. The mechanism of moclobemide-induced gynecomastia may be related to the increase in prolactin receptors in mammary glands."
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