Authors : Neveen Tbeileh , Ahmed Elbetieha , Homa Darmani and Wael Khamas
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of long term exposure to Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) on the fertility and reproduction of Swiss albino adult male mice. Four groups of 10 mice each were exposed to CdCl2 (0, 10, 20, 40 ppm) orally every day for a period of sixteen weeks. Control and exposed mice were allowed to mate with sexually mature unexposed females for ten days and their fertility was assessed 9 days later. The results showed that females mated with males that ingested 40 ppm CdCl2 showed a significant decrease in the pregnancy rate. Moreover, the total number of resorptions out of the total number of implantation sites was significantly increased in females mated by males that had been exposed to CdCl2 at a concentration of 20 ppm. In addition, exposed males showed significant increases in body weight and significant decreases in testis weights. A significant decrease in the seminal vesicle weight was observed in males ingested 20 ppm CdCl2, while no significant effects were observed on the weights of preputial glands. Testicular sperm counts were significantly reduced. On the other hand, a significant increase in the serum levels of Testosterone (T) and Luteinizing (LH) hormone was observed with no significant differences in the level of FSH as compared to the unexposed controls. Profound histopathological changes were clearly observed in testicular sections of adult male mice ingested cadmium chloride for sixteen weeks. These changes included congested blood vessels, increased amount of interstitial connective tissue and destruction of the seminiferous tubules with severe necrotic areas and degenerative cells. These results strongly suggest that exposure of adult male mice to cadmium chloride has adverse effects on fertility and reproduction.
Neveen Tbeileh , Ahmed Elbetieha , Homa Darmani and Wael Khamas , 2007. Effects of Long Term Exposure to Cadmium Chloride on Fertility in Adult Male Mice . Veterinary Research, 1: 40-48.