Abstract
Aluminum in its elemental form poses no health risks; however, the ionic form of aluminum (Al3+) has been reported to be potentially toxic. Aluminum ions can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, and penetration of intact skin, where it could bioaccumulate in soft body tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproductive and histological toxicity of transdermal exposure to Aluminum Chloride in male mice as well as the effectiveness of green tea extract (GTE) in alleviating the toxicity of AlCl3. Male mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: control, AlCl3, AlCl3 + GTE, GTE, and deodorant. AlCl3 or deodorant was daily transdermaly administrated by rubbing. Fresh GTE was prepared daily, and was fed orally (by drinking ad libitum). Three mice from each group were killed by cervical dislocation after 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks of treatment period. The results show a statistically significant decrease in sperm count, testosterone levels, and percent of normal sperm morphology as well as histological lesions of the AlCl3 and deodorant treated groups when compared to the control group. Therefore, prolonged transdermal exposure to Aluminum Chloride may induce reproductive failure and could be a cause of male infertility.