The Histopathological Effect of Alum on the Testis of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Alum is a nontoxic substance commonly used in water treatment to purify drinking water. This method of water purification is still practiced in most parts of Nigeria. Marked reduction in sperm count in otherwise healthy men has been reported. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship that might exist between the use of alum in the purification of drinking water and impaired testicular function. A total 15 adult male albino Wistar rats weighing between 130-220g were assigned to three groups (A, B and C) consisting of five rats each. Groups A and B were fed with animal feed and alum-water solution while group C was fed with animal feed and water only for 4 weeks. The alum-water solution was a mixture of 1g of granulated potash alum and 1 litre of water for group A and 40mg of granulated potash alum and 1 litre of water for group B. At the end of the 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, the testes extracted were weighed and histologically evaluated. Histological analysis of the testes showed normal histological features for group C and B while group A showed reduced spermatogenic layer. This study suggests that high dose of potash alum causes testicular atrophy resulting in hypospermatogenesis in adult male albino Wistar rats.