J Vet Sci.  2007 Mar;8(1):1-5. 10.4142/jvs.2007.8.1.1.

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

• Obidike IR
• Maduabuchi IU
• Olumuyiwa

• KMID: 1104229
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2007.8.1.1

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) dosedependent 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.

Keyword

cauda epididymal sperm reserve; crude oil; rat; seminiferous tubule; testes

MeSH Terms

Analysis of Variance
Animals
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Epididymis/*drug effects
Male
Petroleum/*toxicity
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Spermatozoa/*drug effects
Testis/*drug effects/pathology

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Testicular section from control rat showing seminiferous tubules (T) with normal spermatogenic cells. Note the interstitial spaces (S). H&E stain, × 400.

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  Fig. 2 Testicular section from rat exposed to the low dose of crude oil. Note exudation (E) into the interstitial space, and degeneration/necrosis (N) of spermatogenic cells. H&E stain, × 400.

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  Fig. 3 Testicular section from rat exposed to the high dose of crude oil. Note severe reduction in number of maturing spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubule (T). H&E stain, × 400.

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