Histological and Morphometric Study on the Possible Protective Effect of Vitamin E on the Cadmium Intoxication of Adult Male Albino Rat Testis
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- Category: Vol. 82, March 2014
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Histological and Morphometric Study on the Possible Protective Effect of Vitamin E on the Cadmium Intoxication of Adult Male Albino Rat Testis, ASHRAF H. ABD EL-HAKEM
Abstract
Background: Male infertility is one of the major health probles in life and approximately about 30% of this problem is due to male factors. Recent studies have illustrated that the testis is exceedingly sensitive to cadmium (Cd) toxicity. More important, Cd and other toxicants, such as heavy metals may account for the recent declining fertility in men among devel-oped countries by reducing sperm count and testis function. Cd-exposed mammals, many target organs are affected includ-ing the testes, brain, liver and kidneys. Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) is a fat soluble vitamin which regulates oxidation processes in the body as it acts as a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E supplements enhance the reproductive performance and is called an anti-sterility vitamin.
Aim of the Study: The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of vitamin E as a model of powerful antioxidant against cadmium-induced testicular injury in male rats.
Material and Methods: 18 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, age 3-4 months and about 200-250g body weight were purchased from Animal House, College of Medicine, Assiut University. All animals were housed in stainless-steel cages at room temperature at a natural photoperiod. The animals were randomly divided into three groups (6 rats each) as the following: Group I (Control group). Group II (Cd-received group) received cadmium chloride at a dose of 0.5mg/100g body weight/day orally for 8 weeks. Group III (combined Cd and vit E-received group) received cadmium chloride (same dose in group II) and vitamin E at a dose of 100mg/kg/day orally for 8 weeks. By the end of the experiment the animals were firstly anaesthetized by ether then whole body perfusion fixation was done. Testicular weight was estimated and then fixed in the gluteraldehyde solution till processed for histo-logical examination. Semithin sections were stained using Toluidine blue and were examined with light microscope. Scanning electron microscopic slices were done. Quantitative analysis including testicular weight, semineferous tubular diameter, height of the seminiferous tubule epithelium and estimation volume density (Vv). Data were presented as means±SEM. Statistical analysis of data were calculated for significance using the student t-test.
Resulrs: Quantitative results: Cd decreased significanlly both the height of the seminiferous tubule epithelium and volume density of the seminiferous epithelium and interstitium. These changes were minimized by co administration of vit E with Cd. Histological results: Cd-received animals: The seminiferous tubule epithelium shows areas of destruction both by light microscopy and scanning-EM. Abnormal pycnotic small oval cells with condensed chromatin appears separated from the basal lamina. The interstitial spaces are widened with areas of tissue destruction and edema both by light microscopy and scanning-EM. These changes were ameliorated by co administration of vit E with Cd.
Conclusion: Cd exerts a harmful effect on male reproduc-tion. Vitamin E could correct all the adverse effects of Cd administration on the testis structure. Thus, it is recommended to use vitamin E wherever the toxicity with Cd is the matter of concern.