Effect of in vitro exposure to lead chloride on semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation.

Exposure to lead may cause changes in the male reproductive system. We evaluated the effect of lead chloride (PbCl₂) in vitro on semen quality from 31 individuals. Samples were incubated at room temperature for two exposure times (4 h and 8 h) and with two concentrations of PbCl₂ (15 μg/ml or 30 μg/ml). Results showed that PbCl₂ significantly inhibited rapid progressive motility and caused an increase in the percentage of tail anomalies in both times and concentrations assessed, as well as a decrease in vitality in the group exposed to 30 μg/ml PbCl₂. A significant increase in immotile sperm was also observed between the group control and the groups submitted to lead. Total motility and DNA fragmentation also showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively, after 4 h of incubation in the group exposed to 30 μg/ml and in both groups after 8 h of incubation. In conclusion, PbCl₂ affected sperm parameters and DNA integrity, which are essential for male fertility.