PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF VITAMIN E ON PHTHALATE INDUCED TOXICITY ON DIAMETER AND BASEMENT MEMBRANE OF SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES

Abstract

Objective: To investigate toxic effects on basement membrane and diameter of seminiferous
tubules caused by phthalates and protection by vitamin E.
Methods: Twenty four male albino rats were divided into three groups of eight animals each.
Group A was given 0.4 ml of corn oil daily for 15 days. Group B was given 0.15 ml of Dioctyl
phthalate (DOP) dissolved in 0.4 ml of corn oil daily for 15 days. Group C was given 0.15 ml Dioctyl
phthalate and 10 mg of vitamin E, each dissolved in 0.4 ml of corn oil respectively, daily for 15
days. The mode of administration was oral gavage.
Results: On histological examination the testes of animals of group B showed disrupted and
ruffled basement membrane. The diameter of seminiferous tubules in different groups did not
show much variation. Co-administration of vitamin E and DOP to group C showed that DOP in this
group had less deleterious effect as it did in group B, where DOP was given alone.
Conclusions: Phthalate induced testicular toxicity, effect on basement membrane and
diameter of seminiferous tubules was prevented by co-administration of vitamin E and DOP.