IMPACT OF ARSENIC ON TESTOSTERONE SYNTHESIS PATHWAY AND SPERM PRODUCTION IN MICE

Arsenic is found in biological systems as inorganic oxy forms (oxides, arsenites and arsenates) and as organic arsenic compounds. Arsenic found in soil and drinking water comes from geophysical as well as anthropogenic sources. The most common route of exposure for the general public is food and drinking water. Public health concerns have centered on carcinogenic, cardiovascular and nervous system effects seen in populations exposed to arsenic in drinking water. In geographical areas that do not have high levels of As contamination in drinking water, dietary intake is the major exposure route. Thus, consumption of contaminated foods or their processed products are often major contributors to As exposure and subsequent human-health effects. To evaluate possible toxicity on the male reproductive system during arsenic therapy, male mice were used as a model. In the present investigation, the dose of 3 mg/Kg b.w & 4 mg/Kg b.w of Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) was continuously administered to male mice for 8 weeks. The mice were sacrificed on 2nd , 4th ,6th , & 8th week to observe the sperm quality(sperm count & sperm motility) and level of Testosterone and Leutinizing hormone (LH) in the serum. After treatment, major changes were observed in androgenic activity of male mice with reduced accumulation of spermatozoa and imbalance hormonal level. Significant changes were observed in sperm count, and motility (p<0.001) and declination in the level of Testosterone and inclination in the level of LH were observed which signify the testicular dysfunctions and leading to inhibit testosterone synthesis pathway, finally causes male infertility.