Protective Influence of Zinc on Serum LH, FSH, Prolactin and Testosterone in Male Albino Rats

This study was performed to determine the effect of dietary zinc on male sex hormones in male albino rats. Rats with body weights between 200-250 gms were randomly allotted into five treatment groups with 8 animals each. The control group (I) received food and water ad libitum. Groups II-V received 30g, 40g, 50g and 60 g of zinc sulphate respectively. At the end of the trial, the rats were euthanized and blood samples assayed for Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PL), testosterone (T), progesterone and oestradiol.Serum levels of testosterone in groups II, III and IV were statistically significantly increased. We also observed significantly decreased in sperm motility and morphology in groups compared with control (p<0.05). It was also shown that zinc sulphate has beneficially effect on male sex hormones and sperm quality.

Keywords:

zinc sulphate , male sex hormones