Effect of Toluene on Male Reproductive Parameters in Wistar Rats
Victoria C. Obinna *
Animal Health and Physiology Unit, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Gabriel O. Agu
Animal Health and Physiology Unit, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The study assessed the effect of oral exposure of toluene on male reproductive parameters.
Methodology: Twenty rats (190±10g bwt) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5). Group A (Control) was treated with olive oil (0.5ml), Group B received 31.8mg/kg, Group C received 63.6mg/kg and Group D received 127.2mg/kg. All administrations were by oral gavage for 21 days. Thereafter, the rats were anaesthetized and samples were taken as follows: Blood was used for testosterone assay, caudal epididymides was taken to analyze for sperm count and sperm cell characteristics while testes was weighed and prepared for histomorphology.
Results: No significant difference in the relative testicular weights, epididymal sperm count, sperm viability, motility and morphology relative to control. Marked reduction (p = 0.001; group C & p = 0.018; group D) in testosterone level occurred in Groups C and D rats treated with 63.6mg/kg and 127.2mg/kg doses of toluene respectively. No anomaly in histoarchitecture of the testes in all the treated rats in comparison with control.
Conclusion: Exposure to toluene by oral route may be noxious to male reproductive functions due to the reduction in testosterone level at higher doses.
Keywords: Toluene, male, testosterone, sperm count, reproductive functions