Effect of lead acetate on some organs of adult albino rats with possible protective trials

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous environmental and industrial pollutant with worldwide health problems. The present study was designed to investigate the neuronal and reproductive toxicity of Pb in albino rats and to evaluate the ameliorative role of garlic as well as Spirulina maxima against such toxic effects. Forty adult male rats were used in this study (10 rats/group). Group I: served as control, Group II: rats received lead acetate (100 mg/kg), Group III: rats received both lead acetate (100 mg/kg) and garlic (600 mg/kg) and Group IV: rats received both lead acetate (100 mg/kg) and spirulina (500 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage for one month. Exposure to Pb acetate adversely affected the measured acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity, dopamine level, serum testosterone level, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation parameters as well as caspase-3 gene expression in both brain and testicular tissues. Light and electron microscopical examination of the cerebrum, cerebellum and testis showed various lesions after exposure to Pb which were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, it adversely affected sperm concentration, motility and viability. On the other hand, administration of garlic and spirulina concomitantly with lead acetate ameliorated most of the undesirable effects. It could be concluded that, the adverse effects induced by lead acetate, were markedly ameliorated by co-treatment with S. maxima more than garlic.