Journal of Endocrinology and Reproduction

M. Michael Aruldhas ¹, G. Rajendiran ¹, S. Subramanian ¹, S. Dharmalingam ¹, P. Govindarajulu ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM. PG. Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai - 600 113, IN

Abstract

The effect of 4(R) - 5, 10, Seco 19 - norpregna 4,5 diene 3,10, 20 trione (SECO), a potent inhibitor of 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on epididymal sperm count and motility was studied in Wistar rats. Administration of (i.m.) 250, 500, 750,1000 μg SECO/Kg b.wt/day to mature rats for 45 days impaired sperm forward motility in a dose dependent manner. Epididymal weight and sperm number decreased in rats treated with 750 and 1000 μg SECO, whereas weight of other accessory organs decreased in rats treated with 1000 μg SECO only. The epididymal histology showed degraded sperm and increased number of clear cells indicating high endocytotic activity, to clear dead sperm, whereas no obvious change was observed in the testicular histology. SECO treatment increased testosterone concentration whereas, it decreased estradiol concentration in circulation and in the epididymal tissue. SECO treatment specifically decreased 5α-reductase in epididymis without affecting the same in the liver, indicating its targeted effect on the epididymis. Thus, the preliminary in vivo study points out that SECO impairs the acquisition of sperm forward motility.

Keywords

Epididymis, 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, SECO, Sperm Fordward Motility.

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P. Sekhar ¹, S. Subramanian ², N. S. Venkatesh ², A. M. J. Sashi ², N. Kalpana ², J. Anbalagan ², G. Vengatesh ², P. Govindarajulu ², M. A. Akbarsha ³, M. M. Aruldhas ²

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Voorhees College, Vellore-632001, IN
2 Department of Endocrinology, University of Madras, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Taramani Campus, Chennai-600113, IN
3 Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, IN

Abstract

Heavy metals and chemicals are known to cause male infertility. Chromium, an occupational heavy metal pollutant is a wellknown carcinogen with toxic effect on skin, lung and kidney. A few early reports point out the reproductive toxicity of chromium in experimental animals. An extensive study conducted in our laboratory in adult rats and monkeys established that altered prooxidant - antioxidant balance leading to free radical toxicity in the testis as the mechanism underlying the reproductive toxicity of chromium.

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A. Jone Stanley ¹, M. Sabiha ¹, P. Sekhar ¹, S. Subramanian ¹, P. Govindarajulu ¹, M. M. Aruldhas ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Endocrinology, University of Madras, Dr. ALM Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Taramani Campus, Chennai-600113, IN

Abstract

Chromium is one of the important heavy metal toxicants released into the environment by about 50 industries, which includes leather tanneries, stainless steel welding, and ordinance factory and chrome platting. Though the adverse effect of chromium on skin, lung and reproductive organs are known, its toxic effect on endocrine glands is little known. It is well known that chromium can readily pass through the placental barriers to reach the growing foetus. Recent studies attest the embryo toxicity of gestational exposure to chromium. The thyroid is one of the earliest endocrine organs to develop from the endoderm and its development is regulated by specific transcription factor like TTF-1, TTF-2, Pax-8 and various other growth factors.

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