Evaluation of effects of portulacaoleracea extract on histopathological changes of testis tissue, following long term administration of copper sulfate in Rat

This study was set to investigate whether the adverse effects of long term copper (Cu)consumption on testicular tissue could be prevented by portulacaoleracea extract administration. Twenty four mature male Wistar Rat were randomly allocated to either control or three treatment groups. The first group received distilled water 0.25 ml by gavage. (control group, n=6). The second treatment group received copper sulfate(0.25ml of a 200 mg/Kg body weight) once a day (Cu experimental group, n=6). The third treatment group was given combined treatment of copper sulfate (200 mg/kg) by gavage and water that include portulacaoleracea extract at a dose of 400ppm. (treatment group, n=6). The fourth group received distilled water 0.25 ml by gavage and had availability to water that ncludeportulacaoleracea extract at a dose of 400ppm. (group, n=6). each group were sacrificed after 4 weeks from the beginning of treatments. Testes were removed for histopathological and histomorphometrical evaluations. Morphometrically, the mean of seminiferous tubules diameter, sertoli cells diameter, epithelial height, Meiotic index and the percentage of spermatogenesis in Cu groups showed significant decrease than those of the control groups (p<0.05). A recovery was observed in these parameters in groups have received extract. There was statistically non difference between control and third ,fourth treatment groups. A recovery was observed in these parameters in treatment groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Results showed that long term administration of cu leads to histological impairments of testis and portulacaoleracea extract supplementation would offset these damaging effects. Key words: portulacaoleracea extract, Histopathology, Copper sulphate poisoning, Rat, Testes