Cytotoxic Effect of Radiographic Fixer Effluent on Testicular Tissues of Wistar Rats

Background: Limited information exists concerning the cellular changes associated with the toxicity of fixer effluents on testicular tissues. Objectives: The present study aimed at demonstrating the histopathological changes in the testicular tissues of Wistar rats following exposure to fixer effluent. Materials and Methods: Eighteen young Wistar rats of weights 140-220g were divided into three groups - I (control), II and III. Each of the groups was further sub-divided into two groups of 3 rats each. The control groups (IA and IB) were orally administered with 1ml of distilled water daily for 14 days and 28 days respectively; the two sub-groups of group II rats (IIA and IIB) were administered with 200mg/kg, while those of group III (IIIA and IIIB) were administered 400mg/kg of fixer effluent daily for 14 days and 28 days respectively. Results: Histopathological findings indicated normal testicular tissues in the control groups IA and IB and groups IIA and IIIA respectively. In contrast, there were some histopathological changes in the testes in groups IIB and IIIB. Conclusions: The present histological findings suggest that prolonged exposure to radiographic fixer effluent may cause a cytotoxic effect on the seminiferous tubules of the testes and this may impair germination, maturation, and transportation of the sperm cells within the male testes.