Benzene-induced histopathological changes and germ cell population dynamics in testes of Sprague Dawley rats.
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Date
2011-11
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Abstract
Benzene has been considered as an occupational hematotoxin and leukemogen. The present study was
conducted to determine the effects of oral administration of benzene on reproductive organs and testicular
spermatogenesis in rats. Adult rats were divided into three weight matched groups (Gr. I-III) containing 6
each. Gr. I rats received vehicle only and served as control. Rats in Gr. II and III were fed orally with 0.5
and 1 ml kg-1 dose of benzene for 14 and 9 days, respectively and autopsy was done on 15th and 10th day.
Food and water intake and gross behavioral changes were recorded daily during the entire treatment. Results
showed no significant change in reproductive organ weights viz. testis, epididymis and ventral prostate in
benzene-treated (0.5 or 1 ml kg-1) rats than that in controls. But, caused a significant decrease (p<0.005) in
weights of seminal vesicles in rats treated with both 0.5 and 1 ml kg-1 doses compared to control. In contrast,
at higher dose (1 ml kg-1) of benzene, significant (p<0.001) decline in body weight and 100% mortality was
observed on day 10 of autopsy. In treated rats, testicular cytotoxicity was marked by multinucleated giant
cells formation, cytoplasmic vacuolization, pyknosis of nuclei, chromatolysis, desquamation and dissolution
of germ cells in tubular lumen. The quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis showed a significant (p<0.001)
decrease in number of A-spermatogonia (in 1 ml kg-1 dose only), primary spermatocytes (non-pachytene and
pachytene) and spermatids (round and elongated) in treated as compared to control rats. The diameters of
testicular tubules and Leydig cells nuclei were also significantly (p<0.001) reduced in treated rats. A steady
loss in food and water intake recorded and signs of ill health were observed in treated (0.5 or 1 ml kg-1) rats.
Results of the study indicated antitesticular /antispermatogenic effects of benzene at 0.5 and 1 ml kg-1 dose in
rats.
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Keywords
Spermatogenesis, Population dynamics, Leydig cell, Histology, Benzene
Citation
Singh R K, Bansode F W. Benzene-induced histopathological changes and germ cell population dynamics in testes of Sprague Dawley rats. Journal of Environmental Biology. 2011 Nov; 32(6): 687-694.