Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the impacts of mercuric chloride on offspring during pregnancy and lactation. Pregnant mice was selected and divided into various groups. To the experimental animal mercuric chloride and curcumin were incorporated. Only tap water was provided to the control group of animals. To the Group II and III animals, curcumin was administered at 150 and 300 ppm. Group IV animals received mercury chloride (10 ppm) and curcumin at two different doses (150 and 300 ppm). Experiment was started at the first day of pregnancy and treatment was continued up to PD 15 stage further, only water was provided. Male and female pups were separated and allowed for mating. Then, viability of sperm, sperm count and motility was tested. The hormonal level was analyzed from the serum sample. In the case of males, testosterone and FSH was analysed. In the case of female, progesterone and LH were detected from the serum sample. The present findings revealed decreased body weight, sexual behavior, viability of sperm and mating performance. Exposure of HgCl2 during lactation and gestation is highly dangerous. Exposure of HgCl2 affected fertility and social behavior during lactation and at the time of gestation. In this investigation, curcumin was used to minimize the toxic effect of HgCl2. (C) 2019 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.