Effects of cadmium and /or chromium on reproductive organs and semen profiles of male albino rats

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the potential hazards of cadmium and/or chromium on the reproductive system of adult male albino rat.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Animals: Forty mature male albino rats weighing 260 ± 10 g.

Procedures: Rats were allocated into four groups (ten animals each). Control group (group 1), group 2 received 4.4 mg kg^-1 cadmium chloride, group 3 was given 2.5 mg kg^-1 sodium dichromate and group 4 received combination of Cd (2.2 mg kg^-1) and Cr (1.25mg kg^-1) orally, once daily for 65 consecutive days.

Results: Exposure to Cd or Cr, in particular their combination, caused a reduction in the index weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate glands. They induced a reduction of sperm count and viability with an increase of abnormal sperm morphology. Interestingly, in the combination group (Cd and Cr together), the deleterious effects were more noticeable. Pathologically, both Cd and Cr produced degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules, necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium within the testis. Moreover, the interstitial tissue of epididymis showed marked edema and prostate showed necrosis and serous exudate of lining epithelium. In the interaction group, testis showed complete degenerative changes and necrosis of spermatogenic epithelium, with marked interstitial edema and hyperplastic epithelial lining of epididymal tubules.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present results support the hypothesis that the testis is one of the most sensitive organs to Cd and/or Cr and that the exposure to any of them or to their combination lead to testicular damage and thereby male infertility.