Background: Lead (Pb) disturbs of oxidant/antioxidant balance in
testicular cells causing oxidative stress. Crocin (Cr) and pumpkin
seed oil (PSO) have antioxidant effects and neutralize free radicals.
Aim: This study was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of lead on
testis and the possible protective effect of Cr and PSO. Methods:
Forty eight healthy male rats were divided into six groups as follows:
Control group, Cr group: each rat was received Crocin (200 mg/kg)
given intraperitonealy (ip) once daily for 4 weeks, PSO group: each
rat was orally received PSO (1 ml/kg) daily for 4 weeks , Pb group:
each rat was received lead acetate, (8 mg/kg) ip daily for 4 weeks,
(Cr+ Pb) group: each rat was received (200 mg/kg) crocin ip with 8
mg/kg Pb ip for 4 weeks and (PSO+ Pb) group: each rat was received
PSO (1 ml/kg) orally in addition to ip lead acetate (8 mg/kg) daily for
4 weeks. The testicular tissues have been processed for a light
microscopic study. Results: In Pb -treated rats, levels of FSH, LH,
and testosterone significantly decreased. Decrease thickness of
spermatogenic layers, mispresentation, Vacuolations, degeneration of
spermatogenic cells, wide interstitial spaces, Weak PCNA and
androgen receptor immunoexpression were observed. Both Cr and
PSO treatment resulted in reversing Pb effects on testis presented in
improvement in hormonal levels and histological architecture of
most of seminiferous tubules with increase PCNA and androgen
receptor immunoexpressions. Conclusions: Cr and PSO may have
ameliorative effects after lead acetate toxicity on rat testis.