Physiological disturbances in rams chronically exposed to the chimney emissions of a copper smelter.

• There were adverse effects on RBC, WBC, AST, ALT and LDH. • Serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone were lower in rams held in closer proximity and/or on the downwind side of the smelter. • Expression of HSD17B3 and CYP11A1 genes decreased in the proximity of smelter. Detrimental effects of heavy metals on animals and humans are of considerable concern. This research describes the long-term effects of exposure of male sheep to emissions from a copper smelter. Blood parameters and reproductive hormones were measured in male Kermani sheep reared around a copper smelter in KhatoonAbad, Kerman province, Iran. Representative blood samples were collected from randomly-selected rams (3–4 years old) at 4 geographical directions (south, north, east and west) and 4 distances (approximately 10, 20, 30 and 40 km) from the smelter. Hematological and biochemical parameters including WBC, HCT, HGB, AST, ALT, ALP and LDH were higher (P < 0.05) in flocks located at 10 km south from the smelter and lower at 40 km west; indicating liver and kidney damage in the sheep reared at shorter distances to the smelter. The relative expressions of HSD17B3 and CYP11A1 mRNA levels in the testis were lower at 10 km and highest at 40 km distance. Expression levels of HSD17B3 and CYP11A1 in the west direction were 11.3 and 11.1 percent higher than in the south direction. The lowest concentration of FSH, LH and T, were observed at 10 km south, an indication of deranged hypothalamic- hypophyseal- testicular function in these sheep. At 10 km distance, FSH concentration was 70 percent lower, and at 10 km south, T and LH levels were 92 and 83 percent lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. It was concluded that long-term exposure to heavy metals around this smelter may reduce the general health and normal reproductive function in male sheep, and probably other living species. However, more detailed studies in the region are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]