Effect of cobalt on male reproductive organs during puberty

Abstract

Cobalt is an essential oligoelement for mammals. It is not a cumulative toxin but chronic exposure induces negative effects on the organism. Data from the literature evidenced that in experimental animals cobalt impaired male reproductive organs and fertility when applied chronically. The aim of our study is to follow the effect cobalt on pubertal male progeny of female mice treated with cobalt in late pregnancy and during suckling period. Macroscopic parameters as weight of male reproductive organs and organ/body weight ratio were established. Significant reduction in body weight and 20% decrease (non significant) of testicular and epididymal weight as well as in testis/body weight index was found. The impact of cobalt on male progeny could be explained with transplacental route of exposure and with possible transfer of cobalt into mothers' milk. The negative effect of cobalt was not seen in mid puberty (day 25) with the exception of epididymal weight which was not compensated suggesting that epididymis is more sensitive to cobalt treatment. In conclusion, our data indicate that exposure to cobalt during perinatal and postnatal period affected body weight during puberty but not significantly reduced reproductive organs growth. However, negative impact of cobalt on later life could not be rule out and cobalt might be considered as possible risk factor for male reproductive health. © 2010 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.