Effect of Copper Nanoparticles and Ions on Epididymis and Spermatozoa Viability of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtles Pelodiscus sinensis

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have been widely used in various industrial and commercial applications, which become a potential threat to aquatic organisms. Nevertheless, their toxicity the epididymis sperm remains little known. In this study, we evaluated effect of CuNPs copper ions (CuSO4) on spermatozoa viability, epididymal structure, antioxidant enzyme activity, inflammatory cytokines cauda Chinese soft-shelled turtle. Results showed that viability turtles decreased significantly with an increase or Cu concentrations. The epithelial cells duct treatment 5 mg kg−1 were slightly swollen, connective tissue between ducts was loose. structure tube severely damaged ion Compared control, antioxidative enzymes activities expression IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 mRNA increased CuSO4. present study revealed exert more harmful than nanoparticles.