Effect of Lead acetate on the male reproductive cycle of white rats Rattus rattus

Abstract

This study was conducted on 30 male rats Rattus rattus to investigate the effects of Lead acetate on the efficiency of the male reproductive system . The study included weight changes of some reproductive system organs , sperm parameters in testes and epididymis and histological changes in testes and epididymis. The results showed a decrease (P<0.05) in mean weight of testes , epididymis , prostate and seminal vesicle .A decrease (P<0.05) in the mean of sperm concentration in testes and epididymis and in the mean of sperm concentration / mg of the testes and also a decrease (P<0.05) in the mean of sperm activity of the percentage of viable sperm in epididymis cauda and an increase in the mean of abnormal sperms in cauda of epididymis. The histological study showed that there was necrosis in the spermiogenic tissue and a decrease in spermatogenesis and also in sperms stored in the epididymis . All these effects were more marked at the dose of 30 mg and 40 mg / kg.