The Anti-Oxidant Effects of Vitamins on Lead-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Aim: The current study investigated the anti-oxidant effects of vitamins on lead-induced reproductive toxicity in male wistar rats.

Study Design: A total of 48 male Wistar rats divided into 6 groups of 8 rats per group were used in this study. Group 1 served as the positive control and was given normal animal feed and water ad libitum. Group 2 was the negative control and was administered 10mg/kg body weight of lead acetate (Pb) only, Group 3 was administered with 200mg/kg body weight of vitamin C only, Group 4 was given 1000IU/kg body weight of vitamin E only, Group 5 was given 10mg/kg body weight of lead and 200mg/kg body weight of vitamin C while Group 6 was given 10mg/kg body weight of lead and 1000IU/kg body weight of vitamin E. The administration of the test substances lasted for 4 weeks after which the animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected and assayed for reproductive hormones. Semen was also extracted from the testis for the assay of sperm parameters while the testis and epididymis were harvested for histological analyses.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Human Physiology of University of Port Harcourt and it lasted for a period of 6 months.

Results: The results showed that lead significantly decreases the concentration of the reproductive hormones, decreases the sperm parameters and destroys the histological architecture of the testis and epididymis. The antioxidants were found to ameliorate the damages done by lead on the reproduction hormones, sperm parameters and the histology of the testis and epididymis.

Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that the anti-oxidants may be used as suitable substitutes to chelating agents in ameliorating lead-induced toxicity on the reproductive function of male wistar rats.