Abstract

STUDY OF PLASMA MEMBRANE ENZYMES IN THE TESTIS AND EPIDIDYMIS OF ALUMINIUM INDUCED RATS

*Ramalingam V, Kalaiselvi A, and Suganthy OM

Abstract

It is evident that heavy metals released in the environment affect the fertility of animals. Considering the toxic nature of aluminium and the major role of plasma membrane in cellular functions, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aluminium chloride on membrane bound enzymes in the testis and epididymis of rats. Aluminium chloride at two different doses, 50mg/kg body weight and 100mg/kg body weight was administered orally daily for 48 days. The activities of adenosine triphosphatases (ATPase), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 5’ nucleotidase and gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT) were estimated. The activities of all the enzymes studied were significantly decreased in testis except gamma glutamyl transferase. In both the organs, the activity of gamma glutamyl transferase was increased significantly, while the other enzyme activities were markedly decreased. The toxic influence was more in 100 mg treated animals. The results suggest that aluminium chloride has definite influence on plasma membrane enzymes in testis and epididymis and possible interference in sperm production and further maturational processes and this may eventually have an impact on the fertility of the animal.

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