The effects of zinc supplement on fertility in male mice

Azadeh Sedigh, Mehrdad Modares

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of zinc supplement in organic and mineral forms on spermatogenesis and fertility of mice. Seventy male mature mice in seven groups (control and 50,100, and 150 mg/kg of each form) with ten members in each group were studied in a 35 days period. At the end of period, the amount of seminiferous stem cells, primary spermatocytes, histological changes of epididymis slides, the amount of epididymal sperm and relative testis weight were measured. Fertility was also studied. Obtained data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Duncan's test using SPSS program. According to results, testicular histology showed that testis weight was increased in 50 and 100 organic groups. The amount of stem cells and primary spermatocytes were increased significantly in 50 and 150 organic groups and all mineral groups. The amount of epididymal sperm and fertility were reduced significantly in all treatment groups (p<0.05). In general, zinc supplement can reduce reproduction potential of mice dose dependently by affecting proliferation of spermatogonia.