EC Gynaecology

The study was aimed to compare bioavailability and effect of organic and inorganic Zn compounds on male reproductive system development in mice as experimental models. Zinc glutamic acid chelate and zinc sulphate heptohydrate compounds were administered by intraperitoneal route in inbred males, 0.5 mg Zn per kg of body weight, twice per week, for 35 days. The animals of control group received ddH₂O. The males were sacrificed on day 14^th, 28^th and 40^th given that whole cycle of germ cell generation takes 8.6 days in mice. Counting, motility, morphology and density of epididymis sperm cells were accepted as a main proof of Zn compounds bioavailability. Morphological changes in seminiferous tubules and germinal epithelium were evaluated histologically by hematoxylin/eosin staining. The mice receiving Zn-Glu showed substantial increases in testes and seminal vesicle weights, extensive histomorphological changes in testicular tissue followed by improved spermatogenesis and increased number of motile and vital sperm cells that was the best indicator of epididymis secretory activity in comparison with other groups. Basic seminal parameters in ZnSO₄ group were not elevated. Research data confirmed a bioavailability of Zn glutamic acid chelate and most beneficial effect of Zn-Glu in mice, while ZnSO₄ could have a detrimental effect.

Keywords: Reproduction; Zinc Glutamate; Bioavailability; Sperm; Motility

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