Influence of prepubertal aflatoxicosis on pubertal reproductive activity in male rats

Abstract

This research aims to document the harmful effects of exposure to aflatoxin-B1 in the prepubertal stage on the reproductive efficiency of male rats after puberty. Sixty male rats (35 days old) were divided equally into control and treatment groups. Control males were orally supplemented with distilled water. Treatment males were orally supplemented with aflatoxin-B1 (0.3mg/kg/day). After 15 days (50 days old; prepubertal stage), 25 days (60 days old; pubertal stage), and 35 days (70 days old; postpubertal stage) of treatment, ten males from each group were weighed, anesthetized, and blood samples were collected for assessment the serum concentrations of reproductive hormones. Pituitary and testicular tissue samples were obtained to analyze the expression levels of pituitary and testicular genes. Testes and epididymis were obtained for histopathological examination. Compared to control, treated males showed a decrease in serum concentration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, and the expression level of pituitary GNRHR1, FSHβ, and LHβ genes and testicular LHR, FSHR, ABP, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD genes, in all experimental periods. Histological sections of the testicles of treated males showed atrophy of some seminiferous tubules, empty lumen, and massive vacuolization and exfoliation of the germ cells. The histological results of the epididymis showed obliteration of the lumen, necrosis of the epithelial layer, deformed cavities, a climbing epithelial layer, and epithelium hyperplasia compared to the control group. In conclusion, exposure to aflatoxin-B1 at the prepubertal stage can reduce reproductive efficiency at puberty.

Keywords

• aflatoxin b1
• epididymis
• gonadotrophin
• prepuberty
• testes