EFFECT OF PERINATAL EXPOSURE TO LEAD ACETATE ON TESTICULAR LIPID PEROXIDATION IN ADULT RATS

Abstract

To asses whether prenatal exposure to lead induces testicular oxidative status at adulthood, pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to an ad libitum drinking water containing lead acetate at 0.05% and 0.15% respectively, throughout their pregnancy period. All the animals were allowed to deliver pups. Lead exposure was continued throughout the lactation period. Weaned pups were allowed to grow on normal diet and tap water (free from lead) and on postnatal day 100, animals were sacrificed, testes was isolated and analyzed for lipid peroxidation. Significant increase in the lipid peroxidation levels were observed in the testis of lead exposed rats when compared with controls. Significant decrease in the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase and catalase in the testes were observed in the testis of lead exposed rats. From the results it can be concluded that perinatal exposure to lead induces oxidative stress in the testis of rats at adulthood.