Toxopathological studies on the effect of heavy metals emitted from superphosphate factory on the reproductive performance of male goats

ABSTRACT

The present study was designed to evaluate toxopathological effects of heavy metals emitted from superphosphate factory on the reproductive performance of male goats. Thirty male goats were selected from Gaz. El-Akrad area adjacent to factory [group 1] and five male goats from Dairut area [group 2] served as control. Serum samples were used for determination of cadmium, fluorine, testosterone and prostatic acid phosphatase. Tissue specimens were obtained from testes, epididymis and prostate for histopathological examination. It was observed that the level of cadmium and fluorine was significantly increased in the serum of exposed group when compared with control group. It was observed that the mean level of testosterone in group 1 was extremely significantly decreased while the level of prostatic acid phosphatase was significantly increased when compared with control group. Histopathological findings in the testicle of male goat of the group 1 revealed testicular degeneration with formation of spermatid giant cells. Congestion of the blood vessel, edema and fibrosis of the interstitial tissue with formation of sperm granuloma were noticed. The epididymis showed edema, fibrosis and necrosis of the epididymal tubules. The prostate gland showed edema, fibrosis and hyperplasia. Our results strongly suggest that cadmium and fluorine intoxication produces adverse effects on sexual fertility with hormonal and pathological alterations in male goats