Comparative Toxicology of Heavy Metals Arsenate, Arsenite, Cadmium, Chrome Vi, Lead, and Nickel in the Testes of Adult Swiss Mice After Acute Exposure

Abstract Heavy metals are found naturally in the environment in small concentrations and the increase in their concentration occurs due to anthropogenic activities. Human exposure to heavy metals can induce various testicular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the action of the arsenate (As + 5), arsenite (As + 3), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium VI (Cr VI), and nickel (Ni) in the testicles of adult Swiss mice and establish an order of toxicity among these metals. Forty-two animals were randomly distributed into 7 experimental groups (n = 6). The control group received a saline solution and the other groups received 1.5 mg/kg of the heavy metal as follows: group 2 – As + 5, group 3 - As + 3, group 4 - Cd, group 5 - Pb, group 6 - Cr VI and group 7 - Ni. The administration was performed intraperitoneally in a single dose and the animals were euthanized seven days after exposure. Acute exposure to heavy metals induced functional, cellular, pathological, and oxidative stress alterations. The order of toxicity among the tested metals established by comparative damage analysis follows Ni > Cd > Cr VI = Pb > As + 3 > As + 5. In groups with higher toxicity, such as nickel and cadmium were observed functional changes, alterations in the testicular microstructure, and cell death. Based on our results, we can point out that the heavy metals tested can be harmful to male reproductive health in low doses and for a short period of exposure. Care must be greater taking into account the damage order defined in this work.