Aluminum (Al) is the most widely distributed metal in the environment and is extensively used in human daily life without any known biological function. It is known that exposure to high concentrations of Al impacts negatively on serum testosterone levels, testicular histomorphometry, and sperm parameters; however, no information is available about the effects of low exposure levels on reproduction. International organizations have established the Al concentration tolerated in drinking water as 3.35 × 10-4 mg/kg. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of long-term exposure to low and high concentrations of Al on male reproductive functions, focusing on testis, epididymis, and sperm parameters. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to aluminum chloride (AlCl3) at 6.7 × 10-5, 3.35 × 10-4, 10, and 40 mg/kg for 112 days by gavage. Al-exposed animals presented low values of testis and epididymis weight, and serum testosterone levels when compared to controls. The stereology of Leydig cells, epididymis histomorphometry, sperm motility, and structural integrity of sperm membranes changed depending on the Al concentration. In regard to epididymis histomorphometry, the initial segment and caput regions were more affected by Al exposure than distal regions. Otherwise, the histology of testis and epididymis did not alter after the Al exposure, as well as sperm morphology. In summary, we concluded that the consequences of Al exposure at low levels were as negative as high levels on reproductive parameters, suggesting adverse impact on male fertility.
Keywords: Aluminum chloride; Epididymis; Histomorphometry; Serum testosterone; Testis.