Iran Occupational Health

  Background and aim: Formaldehyde ( H₂C = O ) ,is a member of aldehyde family with the simplest organic molecules ,used in various industries. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the detrimental effects of formaldehyde on testicular tissue and sperm quality in mice.

  Methods : Thirty six mature male NMRI mice were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=12). Group F1 (low concentration) and group F2(high concentration) were exposed to formaldehyde vapour corresponding to inhalation chamber concentration of 10 and 20 ppm respectively for 10days(8 hours per day),while the third group received fresh air as the control group. Following exposure ,half of the experimental animals in each group (n=6), were sacrificed after 24 h to detect short-term effects and the other animals (n=6) after 35 days to detect long term effects,, the epididymal tissues were taken for sperm analysis as well as testes removed for histological examination .

  Results : The results of long-term effects study showed that the epididymal sperm concentration and the percentage of progressive sperm motility significantly decreased ( P < 0/01 ) , the abnormal sperm rate significantly increased( P < 0/01 ) in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Testicular histology analysis, 35days after exposure showed that formaldehyde induces alterations such as epithelial vacuolization and seminiferous tubles atrophy.

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  Conclusion : The inhaled formaldehyde can destroy testicular tissue and decrease sperm quality .