| Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools. |
The toxic effects of sodium fluoride on the reproductive system of male ratsDepartment of Zoology, Center for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
Indira Gandhi Center for Human Ecology, Environmental and Population Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
Indira Gandhi Center for Human Ecology, Environmental and Population Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
Department of Zoology, Center for Advanced Studies, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fluoride toxicity on the reproductive system of male rats. Sexually mature male Wistar rats were exposed to 2, 4, and 6 ppm sodium fluoride in their drinking water for 6 months ad libitum. Sperm motility and density in cauda epididymis were assessed. Biochemical and histological analysis were performed in reproductive organs. Fluoride treatment brought about a significant decrease in the weight of testis, epididymis, and ventral prostate. The sperm motility and density were significantly reduced. There was a marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocyte, secondary spermatocyte, and spermatids. The Sertoli cell counts and their cross sectional surface areas were significantly decreased. The Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig cells were also significantly decreased. The protein content of the testis and epididymis were significantly reduced. Fructose in the seminal vesicles and cholesterol in testes were increased significantly. In conclusion, sodium fluoride administrated in drinking water of 2, 4, and 6 ppm concentration for 6 months to male rats adversely affected their fertility and reproductive system.
Key Words: Leydig cells sodium fluoride spermatogenesis sperm dynamics testicular toxicity testosterone
Toxicology and Industrial Health, Vol. 23, No. 9,
507-513 (2007) |
||||