Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) intervention on reproductive function in male rats with local chronic ionizing radiation damage. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and LJP intervention group. LJP intervention group was administered LJP and the rest groups were administered saline at same volume. Except the control group, all the other groups were subjected to adaptive feeding for 7 d before the local irradiation of 60Co γ-ray at the total dose of 2.3 Gy once per day for 4 consecutive weeks. On the 1st, 7th and 14th days post-60Co γ-ray irradiation, the mating ability was observed. Body weight and testis organ coefficient, serum sex hormone (LH, FSH, T, E2) levels, sperm count and sperm viability were measured. Results: Compared with the model group, the testis organ coefficient of LJP intervention group was increased. An improved level of sex hormone secretion of rats observed in LJP intervention group. Sperm count and viability and mating ability of rats from LJP intervention group were also increased. Conclusion: LJP has an obvious protective effect on reproductive function in male rats with local chronic ionizing radiation damage and plays a vital role in promoting spontaneous recovery of reproductive function in male rats.

Key words: Laminaria japonica polysaccharides, chronic ionizing radiation, reproductive function, damage recovery