FLUORIDE AND/OR ARSENIC TOXICITY IN MICE TESTIS WITH FORMATION OF GIANT CELLS AND SUBSEQUENT RECOVERY BY SOME ANTIDOTES

Abstract

SUMMARY: Administration of sodium fluoride (NaF, 5 mg/kg body weight) and/or arsenic trioxide (As2O3, 0.5 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days caused structural alterations (including the formation of giant cells) in mice testis, affected spermatogenesis, reduced protein levels, and lowered activities of 3β- and 17βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs). In turn, the latter effect resulted in accumulation of cholesterol and a decline in testosterone levels, indicating a decrease in testicular steroidogenesis. Withdrawal of NaF + As 2 O 3 for 30 days led to partial recovery, but supplementation with ascorbic acid, calcium, and vitamin E, individually or in combination, during the withdrawal period, caused significant recovery in testis.