[Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate on spermiogenesis function of male rats]

To evaluate the effects of administration of perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS) on spermiogenesis function of male rats.

36 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, which received 0, 0.5, 1.5, 4.5 mg x kg(-1) PFOS by food intake per day for 65 days. The testicular and epididymal viscera coefficients, the number, motility and deformity of sperm were examined. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-x (LDHx), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and the generation of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in the testes were also measured.

The viscera coefficients did not show any significant change ( P > 0.05) while the body weight and weight of testis decreased ( P < 0.05) in treated rats compared with the corresponding control group animals. In 1.5,4.5 mg x kg(-1) PFOS treated rats there were significant decreases in the sperm count (P < 0.05) and the mean activities of LDHx and SDH whereas obvious increases in the rate of sperm deformity ( P < 0.05). In 4.5 mg x kg(-1) PFOS group the generation of MDA increased (P < 0.05) while the motility of sperm reduced (P < 0.05) with respect to the control value.

It suggested that PFOS could elicit the impairment of sperm production and maturation of male rats.