EFFECTS OF CO – EXPOSURE TO LEAD ACETATE AND CADMIUM CHLORIDE

ABSTRACT

Following the industrial revolution and excessive population growth at the beginning of the 20th century, heavy metal contamination in the environment increased rapidly. This environmental contamination now poses a major risk to human health globally. Heavy metals like Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous, non-biodegradable environmental pollutants with extremely prolonged biological half-lives. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of co-exposure to lead and cadmium on male reproductive functions   of  Wistar rats. Fifteen (15) adult Wistar rats weighing between 100-130g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups of (n = 5) in each group. Group 1 served as the control while group 2 and 3 served as experimental groups. Group 1: (Control Group) were allowed free access to pellets distilled water ad libitium. Group 2 and 3: were administered Pb and Cd 100p/pm for 14 and 28 days respectively. Blood and semen samples were obtained and were taken to the lab for analysis. Data were represented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM), values obtained were examined using analyses of variance (ANOVA). The results showed significant decrease in the body weights, testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) as well as sperm motility and morphology were also significantly reduced. The result further showed that exposure to Pb and Cd will affect semen quality by declining sperm count, motility, viability, integrity and elevation in morphological abnormalities. Lead exposure impairs hormonal synthesis and regulations in males.