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Abstract
Recent studies indicate that several anomalies of the male reproductive system may be produced by acute or chronic exposure to chemical substances released into the environment, attributed to increased industrial development. Among these substances are trace metals such as cadmium (Cd). The aim of this study was to assess reproductive parameters in adult male rats whose mothers were exposed to Cd during pregnancy and lactation. For this, pregnant rats were divided into two experimental groups: treated rats, which received ad libitum cadmium acetate (CdAc) solution in distilled water (10 mg Cd/L), and control rats, which received sodium acetate (NaAc) solution in distilled water (equimolar to the CdAc). The results showed that the exposure to Cd in utero and through lactation adversely affected sperm quality of adult rats, as evidenced by compromised sperm morphology and motility and increased rate of cell death in testis.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Dr. Janete Aparecida Anselmo Franci and Dr. Ruither de Oliveira Gomes Carolino for the hormonal dosages. We are also grateful to the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, grants 2009/02044-0) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), for financial support.