Chronic Occupational Lead Exposure and Testicular Endocrine Function

Abstract

The effects of moderate lead exposure on testicular endocrine function were evaluated in a group of 90 males who were occupationally exposed to inorganic lead. Lead concentrations in blood and bone were measured as indices of short-term and long-term, cumulative exposure, respectively. The results of this study show that the lead exposure levels encountered in the UK at present may result in a subclinical increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which is related to blood lead levels. This suggests that lead may be causing some subclinical primary damage to the seminiferous tubules in the testes. However, at blood lead levels of less than 47 μg dl^-1 this effect on serum FSH is not apparent. There was no significant effect on serum testosterone concentrations or the free testosterone index. The mean luteinizing hormone (LH) level in the exposed group was found to be lower than in the control population. However, there appeared a confoundingly significant positive correlation between serum luteinizing hormone levels and the length of occupational lead exposure within the exposed group.