Effects of Manganese Exposure on Testicular Histomorphology, Serum Hormones Level and Biochemical Marker Parameters in Wistar Rats

Manganese is an essential trace element that can elicit a variety of toxic responses upon prolonged exposure. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the toxic effects of manganese chloride (MnCl2) exposure on testicular histomorphology, reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress parameters in Wistar rats. Adult, colony bred male rats were divided into four groups each having eight animals. Group I served as control and received normal saline (0.5 ml/rat) as vehicle while Group II, III and IV received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.wt. MnCl2/day­ orally, respectively for 60 days. The present study revealed thatthe body andrelative weight of testes, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were significantly declined in MnCl2 exposed rats when compared with control rats. The level of testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARs) was increased with concomitant decline in superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione and ascorbic acid levels. Histomorphological study of the testis in MnCl2 exposed rats revealed dose dependent degenerative and atrophic changes, exfoliation of germ cells, shrinkage of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell nucleus. Thus, the findings of the present study suggested that exposure of MnCl2 at high doses had significant adverse impact on male reproductive endpoints.