Author(s): I. M. Alhazza and S.A. Bashandy
Article publication date: 2003-06-01
Vol. 21 No. 2 (yearly), pp. 95-101.
125
Keywords
Lead, Vitamin E, Gonads, Sperm. LH, Testosterone
Abstract
This study examined the reproductive toxicity of lead in male rats exposed to 2% lead acetate in drinking water for six weeks and the protective activity of vitamin E. In lead-treated males, the weights of the body, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate gland decreased significantly by 45%, 33%, 35% and 42% respectively, while the weight of the testes did not change significantly. Moreover, the levels of plasma LH and testosterone were significantly decreased in the rats given lead. Decreased sperm motility and sperm count with increased sperm abnormalities were found in rats exposed to lead. Some histological changes were observed in the testes of treated rats. Vitamin E administration at dose level of 10mg/100g resulted in a reduction of the deleterious effects of lead.