Effects of arsenic exposure during early postnatal period on Leydig cells of rat testis

The effects of sodium arsenite exposure from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 14 on Leydig cells of Wistar rat testes were investigated at PND 15 and 21. Gross morphometric observations of testes did not reveal a significant change in the numerical density and volume of the testes in exposed animals compared to controls either at PND 15 or 21. However, there was significant decrease in testicular weight at PND 21 in treated animals. Measurement of nuclear area of Leydig cells revealed a decrease in nuclear area of these cells in exposed groups at PND 15 and 21. A significant decrease in the total number of Leydig cells was apparent at PND 21 in the treated group. The observations of the present study are indicative of adverse effects on rat testes Leydig cells following exposure to low doses of sodium arsenite during critical window periods. The persistence of these observations at PND 21 is suggestive of irreversible damage to testicular tissue.