Testicular Histological Changes and Ki-67 Expression in Lead (II) Oxide Toxicity among Neonatal Wistar Rats and Modulatory Role of Retinol

Lead toxicity has been recognized in soft tissues, whereas retinoid facilitates embryonic development during the intrauterine phase and support tissue regeneration. This study investigated histological changes associated with the testes of animals exposed to lead II oxide during intrauterine period and the protective role of retinol. Twenty (20) gestational animals were utilized for the study; these animals were subjected to exposure of lead (II) oxide throughout duration of three (3) weeks corresponding to their gestational period. The subjects received daily administration of 60 mg/kg/body weight of lead (II) oxide alongside 25,000 IU/kg body weight of retinol, respectively. Offspring from each designated group were procured post-parturition and subsequently allocated into distinct cages for duration of three (3) weeks comprising a neonatal period of 21 days. The progeny euthanized via cervical dislocation twelve (12) hours subsequent to the completion of the neonatal period of 21 days, followed by the excision of testes, which were then fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 protein expression. The study established teratogenic effect of lead (II) oxide on the testes, degenerative alteration in the seminiferous tubules, vascular congestions and alteration in spermatogonia lineage across the seminiferous tubules. Widening of interstitial spaces and degeneration of leydig cells characterized the animals exposed to intra-uterine lead (II) oxide. Retinol treated expressed improved testicular histological features and expression of Ki-67 migration moiety in neonate testes. The embryogenic influence of retinol was established through the examination of testicular histological features in animals subjected to intrauterine exposure and the corresponding testicular expression of Ki-67. Consequently, retinol demonstrated protective and fertility-enhancing properties against the detrimental effects induced by exposure to lead (II) oxide