Effect of Long Term Cadmium Chloride Exposure on Testicular Functions in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the adverse effects of different doses of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl₂) on reproductive functions in male rats. Forty male albino rats weighted 100-130 g were equally divided into 4 groups. The control group received distilled water throughout the experimental period, while the three treated groups received 5, 50 and 100 ppm of CdCl₂ in drinking water for consecutive 100 days. At Day 100, all rats were sacrificed and immediately the reproductive organs were dissected and the relative weight of each organ was estimated. The epididymis was treated for estimation of sperm concentration and sperm abnormalities. Section of the testis was kept in 10% formalin saline for histopathology. The relative weight of the testis of treated rats was reduced compared to that in control rats but not reach to a significant difference. The weights of epididymis, seminal and prostate glands were significantly (p<0.001) decreased particularly in rats received 100 ppm of CdCl₂. Moreover, the sperm concentration was significantly (p<0.001) declined in treated rats in dose dependent manner, while the number of abnormal sperms was significantly (p<0.01) increased in rats treated with 50 and 100 ppm of CdCl₂. In rats received 100 ppm of CdCl₂, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules was markedly reduced compared to that in control rats. Additionally, multinucleated giant cells as well as sloughing of the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules were observed in testes of rats received 100 ppm of CdCl₂. In conclusion, administration of CdCl₂ for 100 days in drinking water even in low doses could adversely affect the reproductive functions in male rats.