title: Prevention of cadmium-induced sterility by zinc in the male rat.
abstract: The potential of zinc (Zn) to antagonize the adverse effects of cadmium (Cd) on the male reproductive processes was studied. A significant reduction in the weights of the testis and epididymis, the testicular sperm population and oligospermia to azoospermia in the epididymis was recorded in rats treated once s.c. with 2 mg/kg Cd and sacrificed 20 days later. This was accompanied by a significantly reduced serum T and a loss of fertility. Administration of a single s.c. injection of Zn (80 mg/kg) did not alter significantly any of the reproductive parameters studied. On the other hand, Zn given 1/2 to 2 h after Cd resulted in partial recovery. Organ weights and sperm population in these groups were maintained and the fertility rate was 67% and 50% at 5 and 20 days as compared to 67% and 0% at corresponding period in Cd-exposed males. The protective effect diminished when Zn was given more than 2 h after Cd exposure. The most effective regimen of Zn therapy was an administration of a total dose of 80 mg/kg Zn given in 3 injections (15 mg/kg before, 50 mg/kg at the time and 15 mg/kg 2 h after Cd). The results provide evidence that Zn, if given before or within 2 h of Cd exposure, is capable of at least partially reversing its deleterious effects on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and fertility of the male rat.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000633:toxicity*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D002104:Cadmium; D015032:Zinc