Effects of Acrylamide on the Reproductive Hormones and Sperm Quality in Male Rats

Acrylamide is a white odorless crystalline solid which has been ascertained to be found in some overcooked starchy foods. Studies have shown that this chemical substance is extremely hazardous and has toxic effects on humans and animals hence has been subjected to strict use in facilities which store and produce it in large quantities. The present study was carried out to investigate its effect on the reproductive hormones and sperm quality of male rats. Study animals were divided into four groups with five animals in each group. Group one served as the control while groups two to four were administered oral acrylamide doses 10 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg respectively, for a period of four weeks. The results obtained from the study showed that acrylamide administration induced a significant decrease in the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone in the treated study animals compared to the control, while the levels of luteinizing hormone and estradiol increased in the treated study animals compared to the control. Results of the sperm analysis revealed marked morphological abnormalities of sperm cells, decreased motility and low sperm count. This indicates that acrylamide induced deleterious effects on the reproductive hormones and was injurious to the sperm cells and b extension sperm quality of male Sprague-Dawley rats.