Comparison of sperm parameters and testis histological structure in lake frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) from areas with different level of anthropogenic pollution

The aim. The aim of the work was to study the indicators of spermatogenesis in the lake frog, Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771), in the zone of the influence of emissions from the Burshtyn Thermal Power Plant (TPP). Materials and methods. Urinal sperm and testes samples were taken from male frogs under conditions of anthropogenic pollution (Burshtyn industrial area). Such parameters as sperm concentration in ejaculate, the number of live spermatozoa, total amount of actively mobile forms, and percentage of spermatozoa with progressive motion were determined by calculations in the hemocytometer. Testis samples were processed for routine histological method. The diameter of seminiferous tubules and histological abnormalities were studied. Results. Studies have revealed that near the Burshtyn TPP industrial site, the sperm concentration in the sperm sample and the total number of motile spermatozoa of the lake frogs significantly decreased. The number of dead spermatozoa increases. Amphibians from polluted sites had histological abnormalities in testes such as dilation of the seminiferous tubules with sparse sperm. At the same time, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules in the animals from polluted site significantly decreased. Conclusions. The impact of the emissions from the Burshtyn thermal power plant has an expressive reprotoxic effect that is manifested by depressive changes in testes tissue and gametes. The reproductive system of the lake frog is quite sensitive to environmental pollution. Sperm parameters and histological changes in testes are informative biomarkers and can be used for bioindication of technogenically transformed territorie