Abstract
Semen qualities were studied in samples from workers exposed to lead in a factory for storage batteries. The study included two groups with different degrees of exposure. The mean lead-blood concentration (Pb-B) values for the men in the two groups during the six months preceding the study were 45 µg/100 ml and 22 µg/100 ml, respectively. Each man delivered at least one semen sample during a test period and most of the men participated in both test periods, which took place within a six-month interval. The size of each of the four groups, was 16 or more men. The semen qualities assessed included sperm count, sperm motility (qualitative and quantitative), sperm morphology, sperm chromatin stability when exposed to sodium dodecyl sulphate, and release of LDH-X into the seminal plasma. The secretory function of the prostate was assessed by analyses of such markers as acid phosphatase, zinc, and magnesium. Fructose was used as the marker for the secretory function of the seminal vesicles. All semen samples had values within the expected limits for that population. A subtle but significant difference was found between the two groups for sperm chromatin stability, indicating that the exposure to lead had decreased the stability of the spermatozoa. Moreover, a decreased secretory function of the accessory genital glands was noted more frequently among the men with the higher degree of exposure than among those in the other group. For all other semen variables, there were no differences between the groups.
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Wildt, K., Eliasson, R., Berlin, M. (1983). Effects of Occupational Exposure to Lead on Sperm and Semen. In: Clarkson, T.W., Nordberg, G.F., Sager, P.R. (eds) Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Metals. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9346-1_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9346-1_10
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