Abstract

Increasing concern has been expressed about the potential effects of both synthetic and natural estrogenic endocrine disruptors (EEDs) on human reproductive health in our environment in the last decade. However, little attention is paid to histomorphometric structural changes of the epididymis. We aim to evaluate the chronic exposure effects of phytoestrogens found in aqueous extract of Sesame radiatum leaves on the male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats’ epididymes. Thirty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (2 treated and 1 control groups respectively). In the treated groups, a single daily dose of aqueous leaves extract of S. radiatum (14.0 mg/kg and 28.0 mg/kg body weight) were administered via gastric garvage, while, equal volume of normal saline was administered in control group for six weeks. Histomorphometric study of the epididymal tissues and hormonal assay were analyzed using SPSS software and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Significant (P < 0.05) body weight gain in a dose dependent was observed in all the animals. Also, there was significant weight gain in both raw weight and relative organo-somatic weight of the epididymis per 100 g body weight. However, the weight gain was more in the high dose than the low dose group. The epididymal lumen appeared wider and fuller with spermatocytes when compared to the control. There is significant (P > 0.05) increases in testosterone level compared to control, however, the low dose was also significantly lower than the control. Sesame improves the storage capacity for the spermatozoa in the epididymis in a dose related manner.

Key words: Epididymis, sesame leaves, histomorphometric study.