ABSTRACT
Aims: In this study, the ameliorative activity of sulfonolipid extracted from a local isolate of Salinibacter ruber was investigated against sodium arsenitetoxication on sperm quality, testosterone level and histological structure of rat testis. The treatment was applied for twenty-six days so as to be able to examine the effect of sodium arsenite and the activity of sulfonolipids on the sperm count. This is because it has been established that twenty-six days will be required for the maturation of albino rat’s sperm Study Design: An experimental layout involving the use of Wistar albino rat was employed for the study. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Animal Laboratory) Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomosho Oyo state Nigeria between June 2009 and July 2010. Methodology: Sixty adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each. Each group was administered sulfonolipid at a concentration of 0.2ml of 0.16% for group A, 0.016% for group B, 0.0016% for group C with 0.2ml of 6mg/kg body weight of sodium arsenite, respectively. Group D served as negative control and, 0.2ml 0f 0.16% sulfonolipid was given only for positive control in group E, by gavage for 26 days. Group F were given water and feeds only ad libitum, also served as the normal control. The changes in sperm count, testosterone level and histological structure of testes were examined. Results: A significant difference in epididymal sperm count of rat gavaged with sulfonolipid at a concentration of 0.2ml of 0.16%was observed (37.8±5.54×106 m/ml) when compared with those treated to sodium arsenite (23.76±7.50×106m/ml) only. No significant differences were observed in testosterone level among any of the groups. Sulfonolipid isolated from Sanilibacter rubber showed some significant activities on the severe effects of sodium arsenite on the histological structure of testis. Conclusion: The administration of sulfonolipid extract at a concentration of 0.2ml of 0.16%alongside with sodium arsenite significantly reduced the toxic effect of the arsenic compound in the rats. However, effectiveness and potency of sulfonolipid can be better established through further investigations which may try to verify the fertilisation efficacy of the experimental animals.