Effect of L-carnitine on Serum LH, FSH and Testosterone Levels in Adult Male Rats

L-carnitine is an essential nutrient. It has vitamin-like qualities and it is considered essential in helping to transport fatty acids into mitochondria. The benefit effect of L-carnitine is proposed for treatment of obesity as long time periods. L-carnitine has a beneficial impact on fertility. Its androgenic activity may by increasing testosterone level that promotes spermatogenic activity. So, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation of L-carnitine on serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels in adult male rats. Rats were treated different doses of L-carnitine tartarate daily for 16 days, interperitoneally. The control group was treated saline as vehicle. After 16 days, animals were anesthetized with ether and blood specimens were obtained from heart. Serum FSH, LH and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that L-carnitine increased serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels in treated animals, significantly. The present study indicated that L-carnitine could effect on sex hormones and reproduction system and also could be an appropriate candidate for improving male reproductive function.