In vivo spermatotoxic effect of chromium as reflected in the epididymal epithelial principal cells, basal cells, and intraepithelial macrophages of a nonhuman primate (Macaca radiata Geoffroy)
Received 24 December 2005; received in revised form 17 March 2006; accepted 17 March 2006. published online 31 August 2006.
Objective
To understand, through a simulation experiment in a nonhuman primate model, the potential in vivo spermatotoxic toxic effect of hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in men who are occupationally or environmentally exposed to it.
Design
Controlled laboratory study.
Setting
Research laboratory in a department of endocrinology in a university in India.
Animal(s)
Male bonnet monkey, Macaca radiata Geoffroy.
Intervention(s)
Monkeys were exposed ad libitum to 100, 200, and 400 ppm CrVI, dissolved in drinking water, for a chronic period of 180 days.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Examination of epididymis with a transmission electron microscope and assessment of the effect of CrVI in terms of accumulation of sperm-derived lipofuscin (LF) material in the principal cells, basal cells, and intraepithelial macrophages of the epithelium.
Result(s)
The abundance of basal cells and intraepithelial macrophages and the content of LF material in these cell types increased. The principal cells phagocytosed from the lumen the dead sperm resulting from CrVI exposure and processed them partially into LF material, which was acquired by the basal cells and intraepithelial macrophages and processed further. The LF material–laden basal cells and intraepithelial macrophages appeared to leave the epithelium, accompanied by recruitment of fresh basal cells and intraepithelial macrophages.
Conclusion(s)
Occupational or environmental exposure to CrVI, as would occur in the tannery, soap, and other industries in developing and underdeveloped countries, can be toxic in vivo to spermatozoa.
aDepartment of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai, India
bPresent address: Texas A & M University System Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, USA
cDepartment of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India
Reprint requests: Mariajoseph Michael Aruldhas, Ph.D., Department of Endocrinology, Dr. ALM Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600113, India (FAX: 91-44-24926709).
Supported by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India, New Delhi (grant 60(00222)/97/EMR II, to M.M.A.); by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, under the Fund for Improvement of Science and Technology program (SR/FST/LSI-206/200 and SR/FST/LSI-112/2002); and by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India, under the Special Assistance program (F.3-1/99(SAP-III)).
ABSTRACT