Gonadal sperm reserves and testosterone profile of Wistar rats treated with Taurine following Cypermetrin toxicity

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Taurine (TAU) on sperm/spermatid reserves and testosterone profile of Wistar rats exposed to Cypermethrin (CYP) toxicity. Male rats weighing between 150 - 200 g age 10-11 weeks old were used. The experiment was divided into 7 groups, which included; Group A distilled water, Group B soya oil at 2 ml/kg, Group C TAU 50mg/kg, Group D TAU 100mg/kg, Group E CYP at 20 mg/kg Group F TAU at 50 mg/kg with CYP at 20 mg/kg and Group G TAU at 100 mg/kg with CYP at 20 mg/kg respectively. The treatments were administered once daily by oral gavage for 60 days. At termination, the rats were decapitated. Sera samples were obtained. The epididymis was separated into head, body and tail, testicular and epididymal filtrate volumes were measured. Paired gonadal and epididymal sperm/spermatid reserves were determined using a haemocytometer and light microscope. Testosterone assay was done with testosterone ELISA Kits. Results showed that testicular sperm/spermatid reserves of groups A and B were 11.50 ± 0.87^b x10⁶ /g of testes and 16.00 ± 3.08^a x10⁶ /g which were significantly higher than the rest groups (p<0.05). Sperm reserves of the tail epididymis was significantly higher in groups A, B, E and F (p<0.05). The values were 15.75 ± 2.95^a x10⁶ /g, 15.25 ± 2.81^a x10⁶ /g, 11.50 ± 1.50^a x10⁶ /g and 10.0 ± 0.0^a x10⁶ /g respectively, Sperm reserves of the head epididymis was significantly higher in groups D and E (p<0.05). The values were 10.25 ± 3.68^a x10⁶ /g 9.25 ± 1.89^a x10⁶ /g. It was concluded that taurine at 50mg and 100 mg/kg did not show any significant positive effect on serum testosterone, testicular sperm/spermatid reserves, tail and body epididymal sperm reserves. Taurine effect may be dose dependent and influenced by osmoregulation. It was recommended that higher doses of taurine be tested.