Effect of mercuric chloride on membrane-bound enzymes in rat testis.

AIM

To study the effect of mercuric chloride on the membrane-bound enzymes.

METHODS

The effect of mercuric chloride at two different doses, 1 mg/kg (low dose) and 2 mg/kg (high dose), orally for 30 days, was observed on the membrane-bound enzymes in the testis of adult albino rats.

RESULTS

Mercuric chloride significantly decreased the body weight and testis weight in the high dose group (P< 0.05), but not in the low dose group. The activities of 5'nucleotidase and adenosine triphosphatases were markedly decreased (P< 0.01) in the testis of both groups. Alkaline phosphatase and ggr-glutamyl transferase activities were significantly increased (P< 0.01) in both groups. However, the effect was more pronounced in the high than in the low dose groups.

CONCLUSION

The dose dependent effect of mercuric chloride on these enzymes may affect the membrane characteristics and thereby the fertility of the animal.