Histomorphormetric studies on lactational lead intoxication in testes of Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract

Childhood lead poisoning has been established to cause a lot of health challenges, of which reproductive health perturbation is not least. This research work was designed to investigate the impact of lactational lead exposure on the developing testes in Sprague-Dawley rat pups. 12 female rats were used in the experiment and 23 offspring for the analysis of lactational lead intoxication. The offspring were divided into four groups. Groups B, C and D were administered 10 mg/dL, 30 mg/dL and 70 mg/dL of lead acetate respectively, via drinking water for 21 days while group A was control. The animal was firstly sedated using a chloroform-damped cotton wool in a vacuum (air-tight chamber). The sedated animal was weighed on a weighing balance and figure recorded. The animal was then perfused to clear blood from the organs before the organs were harvested, the testes of the pups exposed via lactation were observed via histological methods. Statistical analysis showed the total body weight and left testicular weight appeared to be significantly (p <0.05) lower in groups B, C and D when compared to the control group. Right testicular weight, tubular diameter, tubular radius and luminal area were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups B, C and D when compared to the control. Testicular distortion was observed during histological findings. Care must be taken by a lactating mother to avoid being exposed to lead during gestation and lactation.

Keywords: Histomorphormetry; Lactation; Testes; Lead-intoxication