1. Effect of Toluene on Male Reproductive Parameters in Wistar Rats
- Author
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Victoria C. Obinna and Gabriel O. Agu
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Endocrinology ,Chemistry ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Testosterone (patch) ,General Medicine ,Toluene - 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.
- Published
- 2021
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