EFFECT OF LEAD TOXICITY ON DEVELOPING TESTIS OF MICE

Lead is a ubiquitous environmental and industrial pollutant that may have its toxic effects on the male. The present experimental animal study was designed to observe the changes in the testis due to excessive use of lead. Developmental effects were monitored in the male offspring of Swiss mice from Postnatal Day (PND) 1 till PND 21. Lead acetate reduced the number of pups per litter, percentage of live offspring, and pups weight. Testicular morphology was severely affected in mice exposed to Lead acetate. Therefore, exposure during gestation and lactation adversely affects the reproductive system of male mice. In present study lead toxicity induced histological alterations in the various components of the testis. It is observed in present investigation that lead acetate given in high dose (640mg/kg/days) caused decreased body weight as compared to control males during developing period of pups. The microscopic examination revealed that lead induced apparent damage and reduction in the number of seminiferous tubules and primordial germ cells. Oral exposure of lead acetate changed the arrangement and shape of spermatogonia cells and reduced the number of sertoli cells. It also diminished the development of Leydig cells. We can conclude from our findings that lead acetate adversely affects developing testis of Swiss mice.