Vol. 9, Issue 8 (2020)

Author(s):
Abinash Kumar, Nitin E Gade, OP Mishra, GK Dutta, SA Dhenge, SK Yadav, Anupam Soni and Shyamdeo Kumar

Abstract:
Present study was designed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of graphene oxide quantum (GQ) dots on Caprine epididymal spermatocytes. Epididymal sperms were collected and incubated with different concentrations of GQ dots nanoparticles (0 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml). At the time of incubation and after 4hr, 8 hr and 12 hr semen quality parameters like live sperm count, sperm motility, acrosomal integrity, sperm abnormality and plasma membrane integrity was observed. Results showed that high concentrations (100 µg/ml) of GQ dots nanoparticles have harmful effects on sperm viability, acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane integrity. The effects of GQ dots were dependent on its concentration and duration of incubation. GQ dots have no significant effects on sperm abnormality and sperm motility. Plasma membrane integrity of spermatocytes is severely influenced by the GQ dots nanoparticles even at lower concentration (≥10 µg/ml). Significant decrease in live sperm count was observed in treatment groups (≥50 µg/ml) as compared to control. Acrosomal integrity was significantly affected 4 hr post exposure in treatment groups (≥50 µg/ml) however no change was observed after 8 hr & 12 hr exposure. Sperm abnormality was not affected in treatment groups. Plasma membrane integrity was significantly affected in treatment groups IV after 4 hr, 8 hr & 12 hr exposure to GQ dots.