Lead (Pb) directly targets testicular spermatogenesis and also the sperms in the epididymis inducing reproductive toxicity. In our study we compare the effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and tetraethylammonium salt of salinomycinic acid on Pb content and the endogenous levels of calcium, copper, zinc and iron in testis of mice, subjected to Pb intoxication. We present new data on the effect of both chelating agents on testis morphology and sperm count of mice, subjected to subacute Pb intoxication.
Adult male ICR mice were orally subjected to Pb intoxication for 14 days (average daily dose 80 mg/kg b.w. Pb(NO3)2) followed by treatment with 20 mg/kg b.w. DMSA or tetraethylammonium salts of salinomycinic acid for another 2 weeks. Testes were used for histological and atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. Spermatozoa were isolated from both ductus deferens and counted.
Both chelating agents considerably reduced Pb content in the testis compared to the toxic control. The administration of tetraethylammonium salt of salinomycinic acid ameliorated Pb induced alterations in Cu and Zn homeostasis and significantly restored endogenous Ca levels unlike DMSA. Testicular morphology of Pb intoxicated mice recovered to control after salinomycin treatment but sperm count remains 21% lower compared to the untreated mice. These results suggest the potential application of salinomycin as antidote for treatment of lead intoxications.