RESUMO
The testicular tissues are affected adversely by zinc deficiency. These changes are correlated with the degree of deficiency. In comparison with the control [C] group, moderate zinc deficiency [MZnD] leads to regressive changes in the adluminal germ cells but not in spermatogenia located in the basal compartments while, severe zinc deficiency [SZnD] can affect both the adluminal and basal compartments. Although, there was numerical difference between the mean tubular diameter of MZnD and SZnD in comparison with the C group, it was statistically insignificant. Also, the spermatic index though showed numerical differences between MZnD, SZnD and C groups, it was statistically significant only in SZnD [P <0.05]. The thickness of the tunica albuginea was the same for C, MZnD and SZnD groups while, for basement membrane thickness, there was mild thickening in SZnD group. The sclerotic tubules and multinucleated giant cells were found only in SZnD group