Suppressive Effects of Copper Sulfate Accumulation on the Spermatogenesis of Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) in the rat spermatogenesis. Forty male rats, weighing 70-80 g, were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CG, 0 mg/kg BW), low-dose group (LG, 100 mg/kg BW), mid-dose group (MG, 200 mg/kg BW), and high-dose group (HG, 400 mg/kg BW). Rats were administered CuSO₄ by gavage for 30 days. A variety of measurements were taken including the testis coefficients, the sperm count, the abnormal malformation rate, testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in the serum. In addition, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P_x) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the testis were determined. The results showed that in the CuSO₄-treated groups, the testis coefficients, sperm count, T, LH, and FSH concentrations, and GSH-P_x and SOD activities decreased, while the abnormal malformation rate and MDA concentration increased, compared with the CG. It indicates that CuSO₄ exposure impairs the sperm quality and inhibits secretion of sex hormone and gonadotropin, and testis anti-oxidative function, suppressing the rat spermatogenesis.

Keywords: Anti-oxidative function; Copper sulfate; Rat; Sex hormone; Spermatogenesis.