Reproductive toxicity of chromium in adult bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata Geoffrey). Reversible oxidative stress in the semen

Journal Article · Fri Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 2006 · Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2006.03.004· OSTI ID:20850411

Subramanian, Senthivinayagam ^[1]; Rajendiran, Gopalakrishnan ^[1]; Sekhar, Pasupathi ^[1]; Gowri, Chandrahasan ^[1]; Govindarajulu, Pera ^[1]; Aruldhas, Mariajoseph Michael ^[1]

---

1. Department of Endocrinology, Dr. A.L.M. Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai-600 113 (India)

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that oxidative stress mediates chromium-induced reproductive toxicity. Monthly semen samples were collected from adult monkeys (Macaca radiata), which were exposed to varying doses (50, 100, 200 and 400 ppm) of chromium (as potassium dichromate) for 6 months through drinking water. Chromium treatment decreased sperm count, sperm forward motility and the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and the concentration of reduced glutathione in both seminal plasma and sperm in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. On the other hand, the quantum of hydrogen peroxide in the seminal plasma/sperm from monkeys exposed to chromium increased with increasing dose and duration of chromium exposure. All these changes were reversed after 6 months of chromium-free exposure period. Simultaneous supplementation of vitamin C (0.5 g/L; 1.0 g/L; 2.0 g/L) prevented the development of chromium-induced oxidative stress. Data support the hypothesis and show that chronic chromium exposure induces a reversible oxidative stress in the seminal plasma and sperm by creating an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant system, leading to sperm death and reduced motility of live sperm.

• OSTI ID: 20850411
• Journal Information: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Journal Name: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 215; ISSN TXAPA9; ISSN 0041-008X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ANTIOXIDANTS
ASCORBIC ACID
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
CATALASE
CHROMIUM
DICHROMATES
DRINKING WATER
GLUTATHIONE
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
MACACUS
POTASSIUM
SPERMATOZOA
SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE
TOXICITY