Effects of intraperitoneally administered gadolinium on male reproductive tissues and functions in wistar rat

The growing use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in medical imaging has raised concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with exposure to gadolinium (Gd), essentially its impact on reproductive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Gd exposure on the reproductive health of Wistar rats, focusing on alterations in reproductive organs ultrastructure especially epididymides and seminal vesicles.

The incidence of that rare earth, in the fertility parameters; namely motility, viability, density and eventual malformations of sperm as well as hormone measurement such as testosterone, was also studied. Adult male Wistar rats received soluble solution of Gd, their tissular structure was observed, with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), their exocrine function was assessed and their testosterone levels were measured.

Our results revealed significant changes in the epididymides and seminal vesicles ultrastructure and organelles, as well as decrease in testosterone levels. Furthermore, decreased fertility rates and raise in sperm malformations were observed in exposed rats. These results suggest that, at the administered doses, Gd seemed to reduce the fertility of rats, by alteration of tissue ultrastructure as well as exocrine and endocrine functions. Thus, exposure to Gd could negatively affect the reproductive system in rats, potentially offering insights into its effects on human reproductive health in the context of increasing clinical use of Gd.

Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Gd reproductive toxicity, like the exploration of oxidative status of reproductive organs after Gd exposition, and its long-term effects on fertility.