The Effects of Gasoline Vapor Inhalation on Serum Level of Testosterone and Testes Tissue in Male Rats

Background: Studies show that inhaling gasoline gas can damage various parts of the body. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of gasoline vapor inhalation on serum testosterone level and testes tissue in male rats. Methods: In this study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and groups exposed to gasoline vapor for 1, 2 or 3 h/day of 5 rats in each group.  After 12 weeks, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Serum testosterone level was measured using radioimmunoassay method. Testes tissue was also examined histologically using H&E staining method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using one way- ANOVA. Results: Serum testosterone level significantly increased in all groups exposed to gasoline vapor compared with control rats (P<0.001). There was also lower number of spermatogonia in the groups compared to control rats (P<0.001). The number of spermatocytes and Sertoli cells, and the seminiferous tunnel diameter did not significantly change in groups exposed to gasoline vapor compared with control rats. Conclusion: Inhalation of gasoline vapor had deleterious effects on testis tissue, resulting in decreased number of spermatogonia cells.

Keywords:

Gasoline vapor , Testosterone , Testis , Rat