Effect of mercuric chloride on membrane-bound enzymes in rat testis.

AIM: To study the effect of mercuric chloride on the membrane-bound enzymes. METHODS: The effect of mercuric chloride at two different doses, 1 mg/kg (low dose) and 2 mg/kg (high dose), orally for 30 days, was observed on the membrane-bound enzymes in the testis of adult albino rats. RESULTS: Mercuric chloride significantly decreased the body weight and testis weight in the high dose group (P< 0.05), but not in the low dose group. The activities of 5'nucleotidase and adenosine triphosphatases were markedly decreased (P< 0.01) in the testis of both groups. Alkaline phosphatase and ggr-glutamyl transferase activities were significantly increased (P< 0.01) in both groups. However, the effect was more pronounced in the high than in the low dose groups. CONCLUSION: The dose dependent effect of mercuric chloride on these enzymes may affect the membrane characteristics and thereby the fertility of the animal.