Effects of trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) on hematology, testosterone, and testicular architecture in sexually mature male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract Background Fertility is a major health concern with societal implications for birthing couples, especially in tropical areas where adoption rates are still low. As a food tenderizer, flavoring agent, food preservative, and drawing agent in a variety of regional soups, trona has been well accepted. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) on hematology, testosterone, and testicular morphology of sexually mature male rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) during sub-chronic administration. Methods Twenty (20) healthy male rabbits (New Zealand) aged 8 months, weighing 1.57–1.7 kg, were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to four groups ( n = 5) (A, B, C, and D), where D served as the control. Rats in groups A, B, and C were given 25 mg/kg/day, 50 mg/kg/day, and 100 mg/kg/day of trona orally for 42 days, respectively. Rabbits in group D received distilled water. The experimental animals' body weights, hematological parameters, hormonal assays, and testicular histomorphology were determined. Results The study revealed a noticeable decrease in body weights of rabbits given 50 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day of trona orally for 42 days, with no observable changes in the erythrocytic indices and testosterone levels compared with the control. Marked degenerations in both seminiferous tubules (loss of cells of the spermatogenic lineage with the presence of vacuoles in the seminiferous epithelium of the many tubules) and cauda epididymis (reduction in tubular diameter) were also found with a concomitant decrease in spermatozoa present in their tubular lumen in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions Therefore, the study reveals that prolonged daily oral administration of trona in sexually mature male rabbits has no effects on the sexual drive and erythrocytic indices at dosages between 50 and 100 mg/kg, but might have inimical potential effects on fertility.