Effects of methylmercury on mouse epididymis and spermatozoa

Intramuscular administration of methylmercury (MeHg) into mice at doses of 10 and 20 micrograms per day and animal for 30 days exerts toxic effects on the epididymal histoarchitecture, sperm motility, sperm count and sperm energy metabolism. Scanning electron microscopic study showed changes in the cauda epididymal sperm morphology. All these factors contributed finally to a failure of the fertility in MeHg treated mice as evidenced by a significant reduction in the average number of implantation sites or their absence in females cohabited with treated males. The decline in the serum testosterone levels by high dose indicates a decreased testicular androgen synthesis.