Effects of lead toxicity on spermatogenesis in the testes of albino rats

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to observe changes in spermatogenesis in the testes of albino rats exposed to lead acetate. An experimental animals study. This study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindiand at National Institute of Health Islamabad from January to April, 2009. Male adult rats were exposed to lead acetate with intraperitoneal dose of 4mg/Kg body weight for 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The animals in group A were used as control. The animals of groups B were treated with lead acetate with specified dose for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks the animals of subgroup B were sacrificed. The results of these two groups were then compared, After six weeks, it was observed that the number of spermatogenic cells had decreased in the test groups as compared with control group [p<0.05]. Lead is toxic for cells of spermatogenic series, injurious to heaith and plays a significant role in reducing male fertility