ZnO Nanoparticles Effects on Male Rat Gonad Histology and Its Effect on Blood Serum Sex Factors

In this study zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO nanoparticles) toxicity effects on some male sexual hormone levels in blood serum and testicular tissue in adult intact rats was studied. The rats were divided into a control and four treatment groups. ZnO nanoparticles at concentrations of 2. 5 and 1 g/kg were orally administered for two treated groups and intra-peritoneal were synchronic used for two other treated groups. Nanoparticles effect and its damages on testicular tissue were studied one، seven and fourteen days after treatment. Blood serum tests showed that serum LH and FSH levels increased in zinc oxide nanoparticles treated groups in comparison with control (P<0. 05). Also، testes tissue slides examination showed specific tissue damages in all four zinc oxide nanoparticles treated groups in comparing to control. These injuries represent irregularities in the cell layers، cell-free seminiferous tubules، congestion in seminiferous tubules area and changes in spermatogene cell nucleus. Results of the present study show nanoparticle zinc oxide effect on morphological structure and sex hormones.