Accumulation of mercury and its effects on testicular functions in rats intoxicated orally by methylmercury.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_74FEA6FE2A7B
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Accumulation of mercury and its effects on testicular functions in rats intoxicated orally by methylmercury.
Journal
Andrologia
ISSN
1439-0272 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0303-4569
Publication state
Published
Issued date
02/2011
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
43
Number
1
Pages
23-27
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Status: ppublish
Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
All forms of mercury are considered poisonous. Methylmercury, one organic form, is highly toxic to many organs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of this form on the reproductive system in the rat. For this, 20 male rats were divided into two groups. One, which is considered as reference, received tap water. The second group received tap water containing methylmercury at the rate of 20 mg l⁻¹ for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of total mercury and plasma testosterone. The left testes were used for the determination of total mercury and histological examination. Appropriate centrifugation was applied on right testes to extract interstitial and seminiferous tubular fluids. The epididymides were homogenised for the sperm count. Our results showed a dramatic fall in the plasma testosterone in the contaminated animals. The fall in plasmatic testosterone seems to be in relation with the decrease in the secretion of testosterone. In association with this, the concentration of testosterone in seminiferous tubules fluid dropped about 55% in the poisoned animals in comparison with the controls. Despite this, no decrease in the epididymal sperm count in contaminated rats was observed.
Keywords
Administration, Oral, Animals, Leydig Cells/drug effects, Leydig Cells/pathology, Male, Mercury/metabolism, Methylmercury Compounds/administration & dosage, Methylmercury Compounds/adverse effects, Methylmercury Compounds/pharmacology, Models, Animal, Organ Size/drug effects, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Seminiferous Tubules/drug effects, Sperm Count, Testis/metabolism, Testis/pathology, Testis/physiopathology, Testosterone/metabolism
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
17/10/2023 9:23
Last modification date
20/10/2023 7:10