The effect of oral aluminum intake on sperm count, epididymis weight, vas deferens and testis in rat‌

Abstract Background: Aluminium interfer with calcium functions changes the biological processes dependent on this ion. Aluminium enters the body from different sources such as drinking water, kitchen containers and drugs. Objective: To evaluate the effect of aluminium on rat's sperm count, testis, vas deferens and epididymis weight. Methods: The experiment was performed on four group of rats (n=13). In addition to control group three test groups consumed 0.625, 1.25 and 2.5 mg aluminium per gram diet for 60 days. Finally, vas deferens, epididymis and testis were removed from the body and weighted. Spermatozoids were counted by hemocytometer. Testis was placed in bouan fixator. After 48 hours, samples were sectioned and stained with automatic stainer. Findings: The findings indicated that sperm count per gram of tissues in vas deferens, epididymis, testis and the weight of this organ significantly decreased in comparison with control group. The number of leydig cells was also decreased in the groups which consumed the diet containing 1.25 and 2.5 mg aluminium per gram diet. Conclusion: It can be concluded that high aluminium intake can be effective on reproductive system of the rats. The exact mechanism needs further study.