Role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular lesions in adult albino rat: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Background Mercury is a toxic metal causing various adverse neurological, developmental, and reproductive disorders. Mercury exposure occurs through contaminated water and food. Ginseng (herbal medicine) can improve male fertility by acting directly on the pituitary gland and central nervous system. Aim of the work The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Ginseng on mercury chloride-induced testicular toxicity in adult albino rats. Materials and methods Thirty-two adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of eight rats each: group I (the Control group): the animals in this group received 1.5 ml of distilled water; group II (the Ginseng group): the animals in this group received 100 mg/kg body weight of Ginseng; group III (the Mercury Chloride group): the animals in this group received mercury chloride at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg/day. Group IV (the Ginseng and Mercury Chloride group): the animals in this group received both Ginseng and mercury chloride at the same dose and route of administration as the previous group. The testes were removed and fixed. Paraffin sections were prepared and stained with H E and Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Morphometric study was conducted and results were statistically analyzed. Results The study showed significant increase in body weight in group II and decrease in body weight in groups III and IV compared with the Control group. The gonadal index of group III showed significant decrease compared with both the Control group and group II. H E sections of group III showed loosely packed vacuolated seminiferous tubules. Some germ cells showed a hyperchromatic nucleus, whereas others showed chromatolysis. Absence of mature sperms was noticed. Some tubules showed massive loss of germ cells. In the treated group (group IV) germ cells regained more or less a normal appearance. Conclusion Ginseng can ameliorate the toxic changes of mercury chloride on the rat testis.