Male reproductive effect of arsenic in mice

Arsenic, a known human carcinogen, was given to mice via drinking water as sodium arsenite at a dose 53.39, 133.47, 266.95 and 533.90 mu mol l for 35 days. A decrease in the activity of 17 beta HSD along with increase in LDH, gamma GT activity were observed at 533.90 mu mol l. The observed sperm cou nt, motility and morphological abnormalities in sperm were similar to contr ol at lower dose levels. However at 533.90 mu mol l a significant decrease in sperm count and motility along with increase in abnormal sperm were noti ced. Significant accumulation of arsenic in testes and accessory sex organs may be attributed to the arsenic binding to the tissues or greater cellula r uptake. No effects were observed on indices studied for reproductive effe cts at 53.39 mu mol l arsenic close to which human being are exposed throug h drinking water under the present set of experimental conditions.