Assessments of Possible Gonadotoxic Effect of Lead on Experimental Male Rabbits

The present study investigated the toxic effects of lead (Pb) on the male gonads of experimental rabbits (weight ranging from 1.2-1.42 kg). The experimental animals were exposed to doses of lead in form of lead nitrate (Pb (NO3) 2) in varying concentrations of 0,100 and 200 mg/L via oral exposure for five weeks. At the end of the fifth week, the animals were sacrificed and the blood collected and analyzed for luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone using standard procedures. The testis were collected and studied for histopathology. Data collected were represented in tables and plates. Results showed high serum LH concentration in control animals and low concentration in test animals. The testosterone concentrations also follow similar result. Histological examination of testis showed deformities in morphology of testis in test animals with gross damage within the somniferous tubules. A strong correlation was established between LH and testosterone (r =0.873) suggesting that both biomarkers were synthesized at the same site. Measurement of serum LH and testosterone provide important indices for both hypothalamic pituitary testicular functions. It was concluded that lead is a gonadotoxic with tendency of suppressing LH and testosterone levels of animals.