Research

Effect of Cr(V) on reproductive organ morphology and sperm parameters: An experimental study in mice

Maria de Lourdes Pereira¹ , Ricardo Pires das Neves¹ , Helena Oliveira¹ , Teresa Margarida Santos² and Júlio Pedrosa de Jesus²

¹  Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

²  Department of Chemistry, CICECO, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

author email corresponding author email

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source 2005, 4:9doi:10.1186/1476-069X-4-9

Published:	27 May 2005

Abstract

Background

Cr(V) species are formed during the intracellular reduction of Cr(VI), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. In this study, the acute toxicity of a physiologically stable Cr(V) compound, [Cr^V-BT]^2- (BT = bis(hydroxyethyl)aminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane) was investigated in the male reproductive system of sexually mature 60-day-old male ICR-CD1 mice.

Methods

Eight-week-old animals were subcutaneously injected daily with a dose of ca 8 μmol of Cr/mouse, during 5 days. The control group was injected with 0.5 mL of BT buffer. Testis and epididymis morphology was evaluated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Epididymal sperm counts, motility and acrosome integrity were also assayed using standard methods.

Results

Seminiferous epithelium abnormalities were detected in the Cr^V-BT experimental group, including intraepithelial vacuolation, and remarkable degeneration of Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids. The premature release of germ cells into the tubular lumen was also evident. Histological evaluation of epididymal compartments revealed apparently normal features. However, the epididymal epithelium presented vacuolation. [Cr^V-BT]^2- induced a reduction in sperm acrosome integrity. However, sperm motility and density were not significantly affected.

Conclusion

This in vivo study using a Cr(V) compound, provides evidence for the potential reproductive hazards caused on male reproductive system by species containing chromium in intermediate oxidation states.