Accumulation of cadmium and its effects on testis function in rats given diet containing cadmium-polluted radish bulb

Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2008 Mar;59(5):307-11. doi: 10.1016/j.etp.2007.10.002. Epub 2007 Nov 26.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) incorporated in radish bulb and its effects on testes function in male rats. Control animals were given diet containing ordinary radish bulb for 4, 8 and 12 weeks, while contaminated animals were given diet containing Cd-polluted radish bulb (1.1 microg Cd/g of diet) for the same periods as in controls. At each time point, rats were killed and plasma was collected, and the testes and epididymides were removed. The findings indicated that the ratio of testes weight to body weight of contaminated rats was identical to that of control rats. Cd concentration in the testes significantly and gradually increased from the 4th to the 12th week of treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, plasma testosterone levels significantly increased, while epididymal sperm concentration significantly decreased in contaminated rats as compared to correspondent controls.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cadmium Chloride / toxicity*
  • Cadmium Poisoning / physiopathology*
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Food Contamination*
  • Male
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Raphanus / chemistry
  • Raphanus / toxicity
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects
  • Testis / drug effects*
  • Testis / pathology
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Cadmium Chloride