Changes in the Weights of the Testes and Epididymes as Well as Sperm Characteristic of Male Albino Mice Treated with Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The present study was directed to determine the effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the weights of the testes and epididymides and the characteristics of sperm in male albino mice. Animals were orally dosed with 200 mg/kg of Ag NPs for 5,10,15 days and then during the day following the end of dosage period all animals were sacrificed, then the testes and epididymes (head and tail) were isolated and after their weights measured. Then we studied the percentage of vitality and sperm abnormalities and calculate the concentration of sperm in the testes and epididymides. The results of this study after comparing it with the control showed a statistical decrease (P<0.05) in the weights of testes and tunica albuginea for the three periods. The epididymis showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the average weights of the epididymis head for the three periods while the average weights of the epididymis tail showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) for the periods of 10 and 15 days. The percentage of sperm vitality and sperm concentration showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) for the three periods, while the percentage of sperm abnormalities showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the testes and epididymes for the three periods, and as a result, this study proved that Ag NPs have a negative effect on the activity of the reproductive system of male albino mice.