The consequences of aluminium intake on reproductive function in male rats: a three-generation study

Authors: FLORIN MUSELIN, ROMEO TEODOR CRISTINA, VIOLETA IGNA, EUGENIA DUMITRESCU, DIANA BREZOVAN, ALEXANDRA TRIF

Abstract: Background/aim: The effects of aluminium exposure on reproductive biomarkers in male rats were followed in a three-generation study. Materials and methods: Forty Wistar male rats (F₀) were divided into the following groups: control (C), receiving only tap water, and three experimental (E) groups, receiving aluminium sulphate (AS) (E₁: 200 ppb, E₂: 400 ppb, and E₃: 1000 ppb) in drinking water for a 6-month exposure period. To obtain F₁, three males from each group were mated with previously unexposed females (1:2 sex ratios) that during gestation and lactation were exposed to the same AS levels as males. The F₁ generation male offspring were divided as described and exposed to the same AS levels. The protocol to obtain F₂ was similar to that described for F₁. Results: Significantly lower testosterone levels in rats exposed to AS and in generations F₁ and F₂ compared to the parental one, luteinising hormone (LH) fluctuations in F₀ and a significant LH decrease in F₂ and F₃ generations, testis weight decrease, increased immobile and abnormal sperm, and histoarchitecture alterations in the testes were observed. Moreover, interval between deliveries increased. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to AS was significantly deleterious, producing a pronounced decrease in the sperm count and testosterone levels in all experimental groups.

Keywords: Aluminium exposure, reproductive disruptor, rat model

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