Subacute exposure to inorganic mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induce testiculartoxicity in rats

Investigation was carried out to determine the nature of testicular toxicit y following subacute exposure to inorganic mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in rat s. Adult male Albino rats were divided into 3 groups each consisting of 8 a nimals. Group 1 served as untreated control, group 2 were exposed to inorga nic HgCl2 5 PPM through drinking water for 13 weeks. Group 3 animals served as recovery group following treatment similar to group 2. Body weight and haematocrit values were monitored at regular intervals. On sacrification, t estis were removed and weighed and subjected to histopathological examinati on along with liver and kidney tissue samples. Testicular weight of rats exposed to inorganic HgCl2 (groups 2 and 3) signi ficantly (p<0.05) differed over control. The peritubular haemorrhage in the medullary region was evident in sections from kidney. Haematocrit values i n treated rats were not different from untreated control group except for m arginal decline in red blood cell count in group 2 and 3. The terminal test icular weights of HgCl2-treated rats were significantly (p<0.05) different from control. The histopathological changes within the testis were mainly c onfined to Sertoli cells in group 2. The histotoxicological changes include discontinuation in basal lamina, vacuolation at multiple sites and disrupt ion of spermatogenic cycle. The loss of architecture of testis was restored following a rest period. To conclude, subacute exposure to inorganic HgCl2 (5 PPM) induce reversible testicular toxicity in rats.