Postnatal cadmium administration affects the presence and distribution of carbohydrates in the sperm membrane during maturation in the epididymis in adult Wistar rats

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal related to a decrease in sperm parameters. The transit of spermatozoa through the epididymis is necessary to generate changes in the sperm membrane, such as the assembly of various carbohydrates that are added to the spermatazoan’s surface to prepare it for successful fertilisation of the oocyte. No studies have yet analysed whether Cd alters the presence and distribution of these carbohydrates. We aimed to evaluate the changes induced by Cd in the distribution pattern of N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid, mannose and fucose on the sperm membrane in the epididymis (e.g. caput, corpus, cauda) and if it alters the epididymal epithelium. Male Wistar pups were treated with Cd doses (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5mg/kg) on postnatal days 1–49. At postnatal day 90, they were humanely killed, sperm samples were obtained from the epididymis and tissue samples were taken for histological analysis. Cd concentrations in the blood and epididymis increased in proportion to the dose administered and decreased the serum testosterone levels and sperm quality. Histological analysis revealed alterations in the epithelium in all Cd-treated groups. Cd altered the distribution patterns of carbohydrates and fluorescence indices. All these alterations affected the structure and functioning of sperm.

Effect of Chronic Moderate Caloric Restriction on the Reproductive Function in Aged Male Wistar Rats

“…To evaluate the sperm parameters, spermatozoids were obtained from the cauda of the epididymis by perfusion with 1 mL of PBS, and then, 10-μL aliquots were taken to determine motility and vitality values. For the parameter of sperm concentration, dilutions corresponding to WHO guidelines were performed and adequately modified for rats [ 34 ]. DNA fragmentation analysis was performed following the previously reported methodology [ 35 ], adjusting the incubation time in the alkaline lysis buffer to 90 min.…”

Efecto de la restricción calórica sobre la conducta sexual masculina, la calidad espermática y las hormonas metabólicas en la rata Wistar longeva

“…To evaluate the sperm parameters, spermatozoids were obtained from the cauda of the epididymis by perfusion with 1 mL of PBS, and then, 10-µL aliquots were taken to determine motility and vitality values. For the parameter of sperm concentration, dilutions corresponding to WHO guidelines were performed and adequately modified for rats [34]. DNA fragmentation analysis was performed following the previously reported methodology [35], adjusting the incubation time in the alkaline lysis buffer to 90 min.…”