Gonadal Histo-Morphology and Antifertility Effects of Bonny Light Crude Oil in Male Rats

Abstract

The study investigated the antifertility effects of ingestion of Bonny Light Crude Oil (BLCO) at a dose of 0.5, 1.5 2.5 and 3.5ml/kg body weight in adult male rats following oral administration for 60days. The animals were sacrificed, the epididymal spermatozoa expressed out and a homogenate made for semen analysis. The testes were removed for histological processing. The sperm count was significantly reduced (21.80±0.57, 19.00±0.85, 16.20±0.00 and 12.90±0.99 million/ml respectively) when compared to their corresponding control groups 26.30±1.27, 25.50±0.71, 26.70±2.69, and 25.60±0.57 million/ml) at P?0.05. Degenerative and necrotic changes of cells in the seminiferous tubules and interstitium  was observed in the histology of the testes. BLCO has adverse effects on male reproductive system. This may imply possible antifertility for male rats exposed to BLCO ingestion.

Keywords: Bonny light crude oil, testes, antifertility, male rat