Male reproductive effect of arsenic in mice

Arsenic, a known human carcinogen, was given to mice via drinking water as sodium arsenite at a dose 53.39, 133.47, 266.95 and 533.90 mu mol l for 35 days. A decrease in the activity of 17 beta HSD along with increase in LDH, gamma GT activity were observed at 533.90 mu mol l. The observed sperm count, motility and morphological abnormalities in sperm were similar to control at lower dose levels. However at 533.90 mu mol l a significant decrease in sperm count and motility along with increase in abnormal sperm were noticed. Significant accumulation of arsenic in testes and accessory sex organs may be attributed to the arsenic binding to the tissues or greater cellular uptake. No effects were observed on indices studied for reproductive effects at 53.39 mu mol l arsenic close to which human being are exposed through drinking water under the present set of experimental conditions.