Recovery from Abnormal Spermatogenesis after Exposure to Solvent 5200

Ahn, Tai Young; Hong, Bumsik; Park, Taehan

Abstract

PURPOSE: Solvent 5200(heptane 1.97%, 2-bromopropane 97.92% and 1,2-dibromopropane 0.02%) is a widely used detergent in electronic industries. The toxic effect of this chemical on spermatogenesis were investigated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight employees who showed abnormal semen analyses after exposure to Solvent 5200 for one year to eleven years underwent hormonal tests, semen analyses, testicular biopsies one month after cessation of exposure and then three consecutive semen analyses during 8 months follow-up period.
RESULTS
All patients(mean age: 33 years old) had decreased sperm count including azoospermia in one Patient. Five patients also had decreased sperm motility. One azoospermic and two oligospermic patients had elevated serum FSH level. Histology of testes in six patients showed abnormal histologic findings such as atrophy of seminiferous tubules, thickening of the basement membrane and hyperplasia of Leydig cells. Follow-up semen analysis during eight months period after cessation of exposure to Solvent 5200 revealed increased sperm count in all patients including four patients recovering to normal range.
Conclusion
Our studies suggest that Solvent 5200 could induce histolcgic change of testes as well as impairment of spermatogenesis and this process could be reversed by avoidance of exposure to this chemical substance.