Suppressive Effects of Copper Sulfate Accumulation on the Spermatogenesis of Rats

This study investigated the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ) in the rat spermatogenesis. Forty male rats, weighing 70–80 g, were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CG, 0 mg/kg BW), low-dose group (LG, 100 mg/kg BW), mid-dose group (MG, 200 mg/kg BW), and high-dose group (HG, 400 mg/kg BW). Rats were administered CuSO 4 by gavage for 30 days. A variety of measurements were taken including the testis coefficients, the sperm count, the abnormal malformation rate, testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in the serum. In addition, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P x ) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the testis were determined. The results showed that in the CuSO 4 -treated groups, the testis coefficients, sperm count, T, LH, and FSH concentrations, and GSH-P x and SOD activities decreased, while the abnormal malformation rate and MDA concentration increased, compared with the CG. It indicates that CuSO 4 exposure impairs the sperm quality and inhibits secretion of sex hormone and gonadotropin, and testis anti-oxidative function, suppressing the rat spermatogenesis.