Induction of sperm abnormalities in mice by norfloxacin.

Norfloxacin was tested in the mouse sperm morphology test. Data obtained suggest that norfloxacin may have 2 different effects on sperm development: a stimulating effect on spermatogenesis and a possible mutagenic effect that results in an increase in sperm abnormalities. The first effect might be caused by a hormonal action. A dose-response relationship was not observed in sperm morphology changes. Consequently norfloxacin cannot with certainty be judged a positive inducer of abnormal sperm, but further studies are essential to clarify the obtained results.