The Effects of intraperitoneal injection of Acesulfame-K on sperm motility and morphology in rats

The Effects of intraperitoneal injection of Acesulfame-K on sperm motility and morphology in rats
Razieh Zereshki,^1,* Ali noori,²
1. Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Isfahan, Iran.
2. Department of Biology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Introduction: Acesulfame-K (Ace-K) is one of the most potent sweeteners with many applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intraperitoneal administration of Acesulfame-K during pregnancy on sperm in male offspring.
Methods: : Four groups of rats were intraperitoneally injected with Ace-K in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight during pregnancy. The control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline. After the lactation period, male newborn rats in each group were separated from their mothers and divided into two groups: treated group which received Ace-K as their mothers had and untreated group which reached puberty naturally. After anesthesia a number of rats in each group were then dissected and sperm samples were obtained from the epididymal tail. Sperm density, morphology, and motility were evaluated. The offspring testis weight to body weight ratio were also examined.
Results: There were no significant differences in sperm density and in testis weight to body weight ratio compare with control group. A significant difference in the percentage of abnormal sperm was observed in both groups in the 50mg dose. A significant decrease in sperm motility was observed in the "treated group" with 200 and 400mg doses, and significant increase was seen in the "treated group" with the 50 and 100mg doses and the "untreated group" with the 400mg dose.
Conclusion: Considering the effects of potassium acesulfame on sperm motility and morphology, it is necessary to study the fertility of rats treated by this artificial sweetener in future research.
Keywords: Acesulfame-K; Male rat; Sperm; spermatogenesis.