Subchronic cyanide toxicity on male reproductive system of albino rat

Abstract

Sexually mature albino rats were orally treated with sodium cyanide, NaCN (0, 0.64, 1.2 and 3.2 mg kg −1 BW) for 90 days. After 90 days of treatment, the rats were euthanized and male reproductive functions were assessed by histopathology, sperm head counts, sperm motility, sperm morphology and hormonal assay. Only a higher dose (3.2 mg kg −1 BW) of NaCN caused significant changes in body and reproductive organs weight, sperm motility, sperm count, sperm abnormality and in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, whereas the group treated with 1.2 mg kg −1 BW showed significant changes in testis and prostate weight, sperm motility, sperm count, LH and testosterone levels. In contrast, insignificant changes were observed in body weight gain, reproductive organs weight, sperm parameters and hormonal levels in the rats treated with the lowest (0.64 mg kg −1 BW) dose of NaCN. Histopathologically, NaCN caused atrophy, degeneration in testis, increased number of clearing cells, vacuolation in epididymis and decreased secretion, and desquamations of glandular epithelium in the prostate were observed only at higher (1.2 and 3.2 mg kg −1 BW) dose levels compared to control.Whereas no changes in histology were observed in the rats treated with 0.64 mg kg −1 BW. Our results suggest that a high (3.2 mg kg −1 BW) dose of NaCN can exert reproductive toxicity in male Wistar albino rats.

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) study on cyanide induced biochemical and structural changes in rat sperm

“…The current study was undertaken to investigate the oxidative damage in rat sperms induced by subchronic cyanide intoxication. The results obtained from body weight gain, reproductive organ weight, hormone levels, sperm count, sperm motility and sperm abnormality were in line with our previous work [60] . Further, in our previous work we have also revealed that, higher doses of cyanide can induce changes in histoarchitecture of testis, epididymis and prostate and it has been presumed due to the induced oxidative stress.…”

Long‐term peroral administration of bitter apricot seeds influences cortical bone microstructure of rabbits

“…Similarly, Shivanoor and David (2015) observed no changes in body weight and reproductive organs weight of rats perorally treated with sodium cyanide (doses 0.64 and 1.2 mg/kg) for 90 days. Similarly, Shivanoor and David (2015) observed no changes in body weight and reproductive organs weight of rats perorally treated with sodium cyanide (doses 0.64 and 1.2 mg/kg) for 90 days.…”

“…In the present study, no significant effect of long-term consumption of apricot seeds on total body weight, femoral weight and length was demonstrated. Similarly, Shivanoor and David (2015) observed no changes in body weight and reproductive organs weight of rats perorally treated with sodium cyanide (doses 0.64 and 1.2 mg/kg) for 90 days. It was also determined that peroral application of potassium cyanide did not influence goats' body weight after 90 days (Soto-Blanco & Górniak, 2003).…”

Evaluation of the health risks related to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in foods other than raw apricot kernels

“…In a more recent rat study (Shivanoor and David, ), effects on the male reproductive system were also reported mainly in the high‐dose group, i.e. decreased absolute testis, epididymis and prostate weights; decreased sperm count and motility, sperm abnormality; changes in hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone); and histopathological changes in testis, epididymis and prostate.…”

“…For five (Jackson, ; NTP, ; Sousa et al., ; Manzano et al., ; Shivanoor and David, ) of 15 studies, dose descriptors (i.e. NOAEL, Lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) or BMDL) were available (Table ).…”