In vivo evaluation of induction of abnormal sperm morphology in mice by an unsaturated aldehyde crotonaldehyde

Crotonaldehyde, a highly reactive unsaturated aldehyde is used for the manufacture of sorbic acid, synthesis of butyl alcohol, butylaldehyde, quinaldine, thiophenes, pyridines, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, rubber antioxidants, chemical warfare agents, etc. and also occurs naturally in meat, fish, in many fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, milk, beer, wine and liquors. Human exposure to crotonaldehyde occurs from both man-made and natural sources. No human data was located describing carcinogenicity associated with crotonaldehyde exposure. In the present study we have evaluated whether or not exposure to crotonaldehyde results in a significant increase in the frequency of abnormal sperm heads in male Swiss albino mice. Adult male mice were treated with 8, 16 and 32 μl/kg b.w. of crotonaldehyde as a single intraperitoneal injection. The animals were killed 1, 3 and 5 weeks after treatment. Five animals were sacrificed per dose and time tested. Crotonaldehyde induced dose related increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm heads. Statistically significant increase in percentage of abnormal sperm heads was recoded at 16 and 32 μl/kg b.w. after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment and only at 32 μl/kg b.w. after 5 weeks of treatment.