Nadia Hichem, Michèle El May, Nizar Laadhari, Ali Mrabet and Rafik Gharbi
Different forms of Aluminum are environmental xenobiotics that induce free radical-mediated cytotoxicity and
reproductive toxicity. We studied the aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) toxicity on adult rat testes. Male Wistar rats were treated orally with AlCl3 at three doses: 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw for 6, 12 and 18 months. Body and testes weight were followed. Plasma and testicular metal levels were assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with graphic oven method. Light microscopy observation of testes was also performed. The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) of body weight only at 18 months with the highest dose compared to the control group. We also noted a decrease in testicular weight in all treated groups at 12 and 18 months and only for the group treated
with 400 mg/kg bw at 6 months. Aluminum trichloride resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) plasma aluminum concentrations is proportional at doses administered at different periods. In contrast, a significant increase (p<0.05) of the testicular aluminum concentration was observed at 6 months in the group treated with 400 mg/kg bw, at 12 months in all groups and at 18 months only in groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg bw. Compared to the control group, a morphological alteration of the seminiferous tubules was observed at 6 months in group treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg bw, at 12 months with 200 and 400 mg/kg bw and at 18 months in all groups. Disruption of spermatogenesis was observed at 6 months with 200 and 400 mg/kg bw and at 12 and 18 months with all doses.
In summary, this study highlights the toxic effect of aluminum on the testes of adult rats. This toxicity is dose and period dependent.
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