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Reproductive potential of male Portan rats exposed to various levels of lead with regard to zinc status

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

N. Batra ,
B. Nehru  and
M. P. Bansal
N. Batra
Affiliation:
Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
B. Nehru
Affiliation:
Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
M. P. Bansal*
Affiliation:
Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India
*
*Corresponding author: Dr M. P. Bansal, fax +91 0172 2534118, email mpbansal@pu.ac.in
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Abstract

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The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms accounting for disruption of the normal function of the testis exposed to various levels of Pb. Three different doses of Pb (10, 50, 200mg Pb/kg body weight per d) were given orally to male Portan rats (groups 2, 3, 4). Zn (1mg Zn/kg body weight per d) was also given with Pb (50mg Pb/kg body weight per d) in group 5. Treatments continued for 3 months. Plasma luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations were found to be decreased in Pb-exposed rats. This was in turn reflected in the appreciable decline in fertility status. In cell kinetic studies, significant declines in various cell populations (preleptotene, pachytene, young (step 7) spermatids and mature (step 19) spermatids) were seen. However, in group 5 after Zn supplementation, hormone levels, cell numbers and fertility status were found to be close to normal. It is concluded that Pb might act at maturation level to cause conspicuous degenerative changes in the testis; Zn supplementation protected against these effects.

Keywords

LeadZincTestisLuteinizing hormoneFollicle-stimulating hormoneFertility
Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 91 , Issue 3 , March 2004 , pp. 387 - 391
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2004

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