The outcome of potassium dichromate exposure on histological structure of male rat sexual organs in suckling period

Abstract

The aim of this study was the evaluation of integrity biomarkers of reproductive toxicity: histoarchitecture of genital organs (testis and epididymis) and sexual accessory glands (prostate, seminal vesicles and bulbo-urethral glands) at sexual maturity after exposure to potassium dichromate (Cr VI) in suckling period. Consequent to the exposure of male rat pups to hexavalent chromium during suckling period structural changes appeared in genital organs and sexual accessory glands, such as: basal membrane and epithelial disintegration, interstitial edema, wavy basal membrane due to a reduction in tubule diameter, Leydig cell necrosis; epithelial smoothing, epithelial necrosis; epithelial cells desquamation and falling in lumen. Exposure to potassium dichromate (Cr VI) during suckling period produced severe congestive and degenerative lesions in genital organs and sexual accessory glands.