The effect of pure phenol on sperm parameters and fertility rate in male mice

BACKGROUND: Phenol is an estrogenic and toxic compoundand people are widely exposed to it, in different ways.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the negativeeffects of phenol on the fertility of male mice, by investigatingsperm parameters including viability, motility, fertilityrates and daily sperm production (DSP). METHODS: A total of106 adult NIH mice were divided into four groups, one controland three experimental groups (n=13). The treatment groupswere given daily dose of phenol for 35 days through gavagemethod (30, 75 and 100 mg/kg) while the control group receivedonly normal saline. At day 36, six mice were sacrificedfrom each group. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), viability, motilityand daily sperm production were determined carefully. Theremaining 7 mice from each group were used to mate with 2female mice. On GD10, the female mice were sacrificed andthe fertility was verified. RESULTS: Daily sperm production intreatment groups decreased significantly compared to the controlgroup (p≤0.05). Body weight, sperm motility, viability andfertility percentage were significantly decreased in 75 and 100mg/kg groups in comparison with the control group (p≤0.05).While the testes showed no significant changes in weight inany groups. Gonadosomatic index in the treatment groupscompared to the control group, was significantly decreased(p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pure phenol could reduce fertilityrate through decreasing motility, daily sperm production andsperm viability.

Keywords:

fertility , mice , phenol , sperm