D-Aspartic acid induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in testis of prepubertal rats

Previously we demonstrated the potential of
D-aspartic acid (D-Asp), an acidic amino acid to induce
oxidative response in prepubertal rat testis in vitro. In the
present study, we determined the extent of oxidative stress
in the testis of prepubertal rats that were administered
D-Asp (100 and 500 mg/kg bw/d, i.p. 7 days). D-Asp treatment
significantly elevated the levels of reactive oxygen
species, malondialdehyde and hydroperoxide in cytosol
and mitochondria of testis, which were accompanied by
enhanced glutathione levels, elevated activities of glutathione-
dependent enzymes and catalase suggesting a state
of oxidative stress. Further, the activities of D-aspartate
oxidase and 3b-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase were elevated
in the testis. The testis mitochondria of D-Asp-treated
rats showed altered citric acid and complex enzyme
activities, reduction in membrane potential, increased
permeability and intracellular Ca2? levels. Collectively,
these findings suggest the potential of D-Asp to induce
oxidative perturbations in the testis of prepubertal rats and
this mechanism may in part be responsible for the observed
physiological effects.