Histological study on the effect of aroclor 1254 on the epididymis of adult rats and the role of L-NAME administration.
BACKGROUND
Aroclor 1254, a commercial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) mixture, was found to elicit various adverse effects on human health.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the structural alterations in the epididymis induced by aroclor 1254, and to assess the possible protective role of L-NAME (NG-Nitro-L arginine methyl ester).


METHODS
Thirty-five adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: control group (15 rats), equally subdivided into subgroup a; negative control group, subgroup b: received intraperitoneal corn oil (5 ml/kg/day), and subgroup c: received intraperitoneal L-NAME (10 mg/kg/day). Aroclor-treated group (10 rats): received aroclor 1254 (2 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal), and aroclor + L-NAME-treated group (10 rats): received aroclor 1254 combined with L-NAME in the same previous regimen. After 30 days, blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Specimens from the epididymis were prepared for histological study and assessment of sperm count.


RESULTS
Rats in aroclor-treated group revealed a significant reduction in serum testosterone level and sperm count, in comparison with the control group. The epididymal caput showed stratification and detachment of the epithelium with vacuoles, mitotic figures, and electron-dense bodies together with increased collagen fibers in the interstitium. In addition, a strong reaction of androgen receptors (ARs) was seen in the cytoplasm of epithelial and stromal cells. These effects were attenuated by L-NAME administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Aroclor 1254 provoked morphological and functional changes in the epididymis of adult rats, which were attenuated by L-NAME administration.
a Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine , Zagazig University , Egypt.
Nehad F
NF
Mazen
a Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine , Zagazig University , Egypt.
Rania A
RA
Zidan
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine) / Q000633:toxicity*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D013076:Sperm Count; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D000975:Antioxidants; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D013739:Testosterone; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester
Androgen receptors; L-NAME; aroclor 1254; epidydimis