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Abstract
Using the rabbit as an animal model, this study evaluated the long-term effect of silver nanoparticles (NPs) administered intravenously (0.6 mg/kg bw) on reproductive activity and sperm quality. Semen analysis was performed by optical microscopy and sperm motility evaluation by computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). Mitochondria oxygen consumption, light and transmission electron microscopy of rabbit testis and ejaculated sperm were also carried out. Throughout the experiment NP-treated rabbits showed higher seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS), less motile sperm, and lower curvilinear velocity and oxygen consumption than control animals. In contrast, libido, serum testosterone, sperm concentration, and semen volume were hardly affected by NPs. Transmission electron microscopy analysis did not show any evident morphological damage in testes; however, Ag NPs are visible in spermatids and ejaculated sperm. These preliminary results show that Ag NPs can reach the testes, compromising sperm motility, sperm speed, and acrosome and mitochondria shape and function.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Dr Ivan Mičetić of ECSIN for help with TEM analysis of AgNPs.
Author contributions
All the authors gave substantial contributions to research design, or the drafting of the paper, or revising it critically, and approval of the submitted version. In particular: Research design, rabbits managing, wrote the paper, data interpretations: CC; Rabbit managing, acquisition, analysis or interpretations of semen collection data: SR. Rabbit managing, acquisition, analysis or interpretations of semen collection data: SM; Research design, analysis or interpretations of semen collection data, hormonal and ROS assays: GB; Analysis or interpretations of oxygen consumption data: LM. Data interpretations, light and electron microscopy analysis: EM; Research design, wrote the paper, data interpretations, light and electron microscopy analysis: GC.