Study of sperm characteristics in persons occupationally exposed to lead.
The sperm characteristics of 38 male workers exposed to lead in a battery factory were studied. Sperm analysis was performed after 4 days of sexual abstinence. Parameters analyzed were: volume, sperm count, motility, and morphology. Exposure levels were estimated by measuring the concentration of lead and delta-aminolevulinic acid in the serum. Based on blood lead levels, the tested individuals were divided in three groups: A (12), B (11), and C (15). Significant levels of asthenospermia and teratospermia were found in exposed workers when compared with unexposed controls. Long-term exposure to lead may lead to changes in sperm characteristics and function.
Lerda
D
D
Cytogenetic Section, Hospital Regional Dr. Abel Ayerza, Belgrano, Argentina.
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000187:drug effects*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*
D007854:Lead