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Effects of molybdenum on fertility of male rats
1Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, UP, India. ratnap23.@sify.com
Abstract:
Sodium molybdate was administered orally to adult male rat at dose level of 10, 30, and 50 mg kg body weight (5 days per week) for 60 days. At higher dose levels significant decrease in absolute and organ-to-body weight ratios of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate was observed. The sperm abnormality, associated with decrease in sperm motility and sperm count was also observed. Significant alterations in the activities of marker testicular enzymes, viz. sorbitol dehydrogenase (decreases), lactate dehydrogenase (increases) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (increases) associated with histopathological changes in testes was also observed. Accumulation of molybdenum in testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles was also observed. The study reveals that the oral ingestion of molybdenum may affect the histoarchitecture of testes and sperm morphology. The testicular and spermatotoxic changes may be responsible for observed male mediated developmental toxic effects.
Insights
Oral administration of sodium molybdate in male rats led to testicular toxicity. Molybdenum accumulation affected sperm quality and reproductive organ weights, indicating potential male reproductive health risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Molybdenum is an essential trace element, but excessive intake can lead to toxicity.
- Understanding the reproductive effects of molybdenum exposure is crucial for public health and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of oral sodium molybdate administration on male rat reproductive system.
- To evaluate the impact of molybdenum on sperm parameters, testicular enzymes, and organ histology.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were administered sodium molybdate orally at doses of 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg body weight for 60 days.
- Evaluated reproductive organ weights, sperm count, motility, and morphology.
- Assessed activities of testicular enzymes (sorbitol dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) and molybdenum accumulation.
Main Results:
- Higher doses of sodium molybdate significantly decreased reproductive organ weights and altered organ-to-body weight ratios.
- Observed decreased sperm motility and count, along with increased sperm abnormalities.
- Significant alterations in testicular enzyme activities and histopathological changes in testes were noted, with molybdenum accumulation in reproductive tissues.
Conclusions:
- Oral molybdenum exposure negatively impacts male rat reproductive health, affecting sperm morphology and testicular function.
- Testicular and spermatotoxic changes induced by molybdenum may contribute to male-mediated developmental toxicity.