Histological Changes and Demonstration of Glycogen Distribution in the Gonads of Male Wistar Rats Following Long-Term Ingestion of Mixed Palm Oil Diets

Abstract

Histological changes and of glycogen distribution in the gonads of male Wistar rats following long-term ingestion of mixed palm oil diets were investigated. Twenty-four young Wistar rats initially weighing between 60 and 80g were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C) of 8 rats each. Group A rats were fed with thermoxidized palm oil diet, obtained by mixing 15g of thermoxidized palm oil with 85g of rat chow (15% w/w). Group B rats were fed the fresh palm oil diet, obtained by mixing 15g of fresh palm oil with 85g of rat chow (15% w/w). Group C served as the control, and were given normal rat chow only. The animals were allowed feed and water ad libitum for 14 weeks. The weight of the testes of the group A animals (1.96 + 0.06) was significantly (P<0.01) lower than those of groups B and C [(2.75 + 0.08) and (2.98 + 0.06)] respectively. The difference between groups B and C was not significant. There were some discoloration in the testes of the group A animals compared to the other two groups. Histological observation showed mild degeneration of some of the germinal epithelia and disruption of some of the interstitial cells compared to the control. The glycogen deposition was decreased in the group A and B animals compared to the control, with the effect being more pronounced in group A. these results suggest that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil diets may have adverse effect on the testis of Wistar rats.