Testicular morphology and cauda epididymal sperm reserves of male rats exposed to Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil

Abstract

Potential negative effects of exposure to Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil on the reproductive system of male rats was investigated. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. Exposure to Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil was achieved via oral administration of increasing doses (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 ml/rat) every other day for 4 weeks. Cauda epididymal sperm reserves and relative weights of the testes as well as histological features of the testes of rats that received the crude oil treatment were compared to those of control rats. The results described here showed a significant (p < 0.01) dose-dependent reduction in the cauda epididymal sperm reserves of rats that received crude oil treatment relative to the control group. The morphology of testes of the crude oil-exposed rats was characterized by the presence of interstitial exudates, degeneration, and necrosis of spermatogenic and interstitial (Leydig) cells. Findings indicate that exposure of male rats to Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil may have adversely affected their reproductive systems. This may imply possible reproductive health hazards for animals and humans that may be exposed to this environmental pollutant, especially in areas where oil spillage is a common feature.

Garlic Powder Attenuates Apoptosis Associated with Lead Acetate-Induced Testicular Damage in Adult Male Rats

“…Similarly, in the present study, the expression of intrinsic proapoptotic markers Bax is increased in the testicular tissue of lead intoxicated animals compared with other groups along with increasing expression of Caspase-3 and up-regulation of p53 gene In contrast, the expression of antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 was downregulated in the same group. Interestingly, in the present work, garlic supplement of the prelead intoxicated rats has reversed the effects of the lead toxicity including marked improvement of semen quality similar to previous study (Obidike et al, 2007) .Additionally, garlic administration ameliorated lead induced oxidative stress as reflected by increased SOD activity and decreased lipid peroxidation indicated by reduced MDA levels in agreement with data reported before (Borek, 2001). Furthermore, in pre-lead intoxicated animals, garlic supplements protected their testicular tissue from deterioration by lead toxicity.…”

Hydrocarbon Pollution: Effects on Living Organisms, Remediation of Contaminated Environments, and Effects of Heavy Metals Co-Contamination on Bioremediation

“…The incorporation of crude oil into the body may affect the reproductive health of humans and to other lives. Obidike et al (2007) observed that when the male rats were given an oral crude oil treatment using a drenching tube, degeneration and necrosis of interstitial cell occurred followed by the exudation into the interstices in the testes of rats. The study concluded that exposure of rats to crude oil induces reproductive cytotoxicity confined to the differentiating spermatogonia compartment, likewise it may also harm human reproductive cells.…”

Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation in Male Rats with Crude Oil-Induced Reproductive Toxicity

“…The combined effects of the decrease in the serum testosterone level coupled with the degenerative changes in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules associated with crude oil intoxication must have drastically reduced the population of the spermatozoa in the sperm depot of the tail of the epididymis (Obidike et al, 2007). Pflreger-Bruss et al (2004) ealier reported disruption in testosterone output with the administration of crude oil to rats.…”

“…Pflreger-Bruss et al (2004) ealier reported disruption in testosterone output with the administration of crude oil to rats. Jewell et al (1998) and Obidike et al (2007) have also reported degeneration and necrosis of the spermatogenic cells of the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules with attendant decline in the CESR, when rats were experimentally treated with crude oil and they attributed it to oxidative stress. However, crude oil withdrawal initiated while vitamin E administration potentiated the 335 improvement in the CESR of the exposed rats.…”

“…enzymatic reactions (Ma et al, 2002). Earlier researchers demonstrated that exposure of male rats to crude oil adversely affected the testicular morphology, with the destruction of the connective tissues and Seminiferous tubules, leading to disruption of spermatogenesis and consequent oligospermia in the cauda epididymis (Akumka et al, 1999;Orisakwe et al, 2003;Orisakwe et al, 2004;Obidike, et al, 2007). Exposure of rats to crude oil consequently decreased serum levels of testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH), while serum level of prolactin increased (Akaninwor and Okeke, 2006).…”