Microscopic Assessment on the Effects of Date Palm (Pheonixdactilyfera) Methanol Fruit Extract on Lead Acetate Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

This study assessed the effects of methanol fruit extract of Pheonix dactilyfera and lead acetate on histology of the testes. This work was essential in providing information on interactions between the date palm extract and lead acetate in rat testes. Twenty five male Wistar rats were grouped into five (1–5; n=5). Group 1 (control) received distilled water (2 ml/kg). Group 2 received lead acetate (30 mg/kg). Groups 3, 4 and 5 received methanol fruit extract of Pheonix dactilyfera (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg respectively) followed by lead acetate (30 mg/kg) concurrently for 42 days via oral route. Histological examinations of tissues were done using Haematoxylin and Eosin, and Periodic Acid Schiff stains. The tubular diameter and germinal epithelium height were measured using the Image J software (v2). Findings revealed degenerative changes like pyknosis, karyorrhexis in all groups except Group 1 in varying degrees. Group 4 rats displayed little changes and had tubular diameters and epithelium heights similar to that of the Control. Results suggest protective potentials of methanol fruit extract of Pheonix dactilyfera at dose 150 mg/kg when compared to other treatment groups.

Key Words: degeneration, epithelium, lead, spermatids, tubular