Effect of Cigarette Smoke on Rabbit Testicular Lipid Peroxidation, Glutathione Peroxidase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activities

Abstract

The effect of cigarette smoke on oxidative status of liver and testis was evaluated. Three groups of male weaned rabbits (1.0 – 1.5kg) were used. Group 1, the basal control group consisted of 2 rabbits which were sacrificed immediately after one week acclimatization (week O). Group 2 – (S) group consisted of 6 rabbits. Each was exposed daily to passive sidestream smoke in a ventilated exposure for 30 minutes. Group 3 – (M) group also consisted of 6 rabbits. Each was exposed daily mainstream smoke from two cigarette sticks in an inhalation chamber for 40 minutes. At 2, 4 and 6 weeks of the study 2 rabbits from each group exposed to smoke were sacrificed. The liver, testis and sperm were analyzed for the thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS); glutathione peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Sperm parameters were also evaluated. Regardless of the method of smoking, significant reduction in sperm count (p<0.01) was observed; testicular thio-barbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), an indicator of peroxidation process increased. Increased testicular lipid peroxidation with time in group 3(M) was correlated with that of glutathione peroxidase (GSHPX) and alkaline phosphatase activities. The study suggests that cigarette smoke resulted in the reduction of sperm count and increased oxidative stress in rabbits.


KEY WORDS: Side stream smoke, rabbit oxidative stress.


Nig. Jnl Health & Biomed. Sciences Vol.3(1) 2004: 12-16