Effects of Chitosan on Sperm Quality of Lead Acetate-Induced Rats

Escalation in blood lead level may decrease sperm quality. Chelating agent, such as chitosan, is known to reduce the detrimental effects from lead exposure. This research aims to analyze the effect of chitosan on sperm quality of lead acetate-induced rats. 30 rats were divided into six groups. All treatment groups, aside from control group, were induced by 175 mg/kg weight of lead acetate. Positive control group was treated with Ca₂EDTA, while negative control group was only treated with lead acetate. Treatment group 1, 2, and 3 were treated with chitosan in gradual dose; 64, 32, and 16 mg/kg weight respectively. On the 31^st day, the sperm quality was analyzed and the rats were terminated. Statistical result showed that positive control group and treatment groups had no significant difference from control group but was significantly different from negative control group. Research parameters, which were sperm count, motility of progressive sperm, immotile sperm, and normal sperm, were significantly different among the all treatment groups. However, another research parameter, which were nonprogressive sperm motility and sperm viability were not significantly different. Treatment group 1 was not different significantly from control and positive control groups. To sum up, chitosan improves the sperm quality of lead acetate-induced rats.