ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to observe changes in spermatogenesis testes of albino rats exposed to intraperitoneal lead acetate and to look for the reversibility of these changes after cessation of lead acetate and subsequent oral administration of honey. Experimental animal study. National Institute of Health Islamabad from January to June, 2009. Animals were obtained from the animal house of N.I.H and were divided into three groups A, B and C. Group A was subdivided into two groups A-l and A-ll. Group B was also subdivided into two sub groups; B-l and B-ll. Group C was not subdivided into subgroups. The animals in group A were used as control, while those of groups B and C were treated with lead acetate that was given intraperitonially in the dose of 4mg/kg body weight, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The animals in group B-l were sacrificed at the end of six week to observe the toxic changes while animas in group B-ll were kept alive for another 6 weeks on normal diet. The animals in group C were given honey in dosage of 10ml/100ml water with normal diet for further Gweeks. These groups [B-l I and C] were then sacrificed after 12 weeks to observe the effects of honey on spermatogenesis. The histological comparison of testes of both groups of animals showed that after six weeks, the width of germinal epithelium and the number of spermatogenic cells had decreased in lead toxic groups as compared to the control rats [p<0.05] and in majority of the seminiferous tubules, the basement membrane was disrupted. The width of germinal epithelium, and the number of spermatogenic cells were improved after oral administration of honey. This study provides evidence that lead has toxic effects on testis which are partially reversible on oral intake of honey