A stereological and histopathological study of the effects of exposure of male rat testes to mercury vapor

Abstract

Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment; it is an occupational pollutant and a potential toxicant. We investigated the effects of exposure of rat testes to mercury vapor (Hg⁰). Twelve male rats were divided into two groups of six: the rats of the Hg⁰ group were exposed to mercury (1 mg/m³/day) in a chamber for six weeks; the control group rats were housed under the same conditions without exposure to Hg⁰. After the experimental period, the testes were removed, sections of testis were evaluated histopathologically after hematoxylin and eosin staining, and stereologically using the Cavalieri principle and optical fractionator methods. We found significant decreases in the total volume of testis, diameters of seminiferous tubules and total volume of seminiferous tubules. Significant decreases were detected in the numbers of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids of the Hg⁰ group compared to the control group. In the Hg⁰ exposed group, spermatogenic cells were degenerated and seminiferous tubules were atrophied.

Key words::

• histopathology
• mercury vapor
• rat
• stereology
• testis

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by Atatürk University Scientific Project Fund.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.