Aim: To evaluate the administration of Carica papaya seed extract on the contractility of cauda epididymal tubules in male rats. Methods: Adult male albino rats were administered intramuscularly papaya seed extract at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Animals were killed, cauda epididymal tubules of 5 cm length were isolated and the contractile response to different concentrations of adrenalin (1-500 mg/25mL) was examined. In another group of animals, the contractile response was assayed 3 months after withdrawal of the treatment. Results: Papaya seed extract brought about a significant decrease in the contractile response of epididymal tubules as compared with the control. After three months of papaya withdrawal, a nearly normal pattern of contraction was regained. Conclusion: Papaya seed treatment reversibly reduces the contractile response of cauda epididymal tubules

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