Vitamin E ameliorates aflatoxin-induced alterations in the epididymis of mice

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the effect of aflatoxin on biochemical and histopathological changes in the epididymis of mice and its possible amelioration on pre-treatment with vitamin E. Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 25 and 50 mg of aflatoxin/animal/day (750 and 1500 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days. Epididymis was isolated and processed for biochemical analysis. As compared with the control, absolute and relative epididymal weights were significantly reduced in aflatoxin-treated mice. Aflatoxin treatment caused significant, dose-dependent reduction in protein and sialic acid contents in caput and cauda epididymis than that of vehicle control. While activities of succinic dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were significantly reduced, acid phosphatase activity was significantly higher in caput and cauda epididymis of aflatoxin-treated mice than that of vehicle control. Pyknosis of epithelial cell nuclei, disorganization of epithelium, clumping of stereocilia and lumen devoid of sperms in caput and cauda epididymis were observed. Thus, pre-treatment with vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/ animal/day) significantly ameliorated aflatoxin-induced changes, measured by biochemical and histopathological parameters.