Nuclear alterations during acrosomal cap formation in spermatids of lead-treated rats

Ultrastructural studies were conducted to assess the effect of lead (Pb 5 mg/kg IP for 16 days as lead acetate) on rat spermiogenesis. Results showed swelling of nuclei and acrosomes in round spermatids. In Sertoli cells, nuclei appeared fragmentated, whereas the cytoplasm exhibited a vacuolated appearance and a few structures delimitated by a double membrane that contain parallelly arranged microtubules and cross-striated fine fibrils. Sertoli cell tight junctions remained intact. There was no significant change in epididymal sperm motility and counts, although testicular and blood lead levels were found to be elevated after lead exposure. These results suggest that spermatid and Sertoli cell damage may lead to disruption of spermiogenesis in lead-intoxicated rats.