Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) are widely used in various industrial and commercial applications and little is known about their potential toxicity on reproductive system. In the present study, the effect of Cu-NPs on the weight of some reproductive system organs and the sperm characteristics of male albino rats were examined. Rats were administrated with 0.5 ml of 20 and 40 mg/kg/BW Cu-NPs intraperitoneally for 3, 6 and 9 days. The results showed statistically significant decrease in the final body weight and increase in the relative sex organs (testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate gland) with both Cu-NPs treatments compared to control group. A significant decrease was found in the percentage of sperm viability and increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities and sperm concentration were observed with both Cu-NPs concentrations compared to the control with concentration and time effects.
Thus, the results of this study revealed for the first time that intraperitoneal injection of Cu-NPs has a negative influence on the effectiveness and activity of male reproductive system in albino rats.
جنان عدنان عبد اللطيف البيروتي | Genan Adnan Abdul-Bairuty | 5464