Role of vitamin C on lead acetate induced spermatogenesis in swiss mice

In the present study significantly increased lipid peroxidation value (LPP) after a single intraperitioneal injection of lead acetate (LA) (100 mg/kg b.w.) indicated enormous generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Lead-induced ROS has a direct inhibitory effect on the growth and differentiation of the spermatogonial cells showing a significant decline in sperm count. Chromosomal analysis of the primary spermatocytes at week 4 post-treatment in lead-treated mice revealed significantly higher no of aberrant cells including chromosomal deficiency, autosomal and XY-asynapsis plates compared to untreated control mice. Sperm morphology studies at week 1-4 and at week 8 post-treatment, indicated higher percentage of deformed sperm population compared to vehicle injected groups of mice. Supplementation of vitamin C (Vit C) at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight to lead-treated mice groups., however, significantly reduced the LPP with a concomitant increase in sperm count, marked decrease in the no of aberrant cells and significant decline in the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm population, Protective role of Vit C in combating lead-induced oxidative stress in mice testicular cells, has been discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.