Chronic effect of endosulfan on the testicular functions of rat.

Abstract

AIM:

To find out the toxic effect of endosulfan on the testicular function of pubertal rats.

METHODS:

Male rats of pubertal age were orally administered endosulfan at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate were removed and weighed. A 10% testicular homogenate was prepared for biochemical estimations.

RESULTS:

In endosulfan-treated rats, there were a reduction in the body weight and the weights of testis and accessory sex organs, a decrease in the testicular lactate and pyruvate activities, and in the testicular DNA and RNA concentrations, whereas the testicular protein concentration was slightly increased; the specific activity of testicular steroidogenic enzyme, 3beta-OH-steroid dehydrogenase and the ascorbic acid level were decreased, which were correlated with a decrease in steroidogenesis. The lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase and brush-border enzyme alkaline phosphatase activities were also decreased in the testis of treated rats.

CONCLUSION:

In pubertal rats, endosulfan treatment inhibits the testicular functions.

• Authors: K C Chitra, C Latchoumycandane, P P Mathur
• Journal: Asian journal of andrology (Asian J Androl) Vol. 1 Issue 4 Pg. 203-6 (Dec 1999) ISSN: 1008-682X [Print] China
• PMID: 11225895 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
• Insecticides
• Endosulfan

Topics

• Animals
• Endosulfan (pharmacology)
• Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
• Insecticides (pharmacology)
• Male
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Testis (drug effects, physiology)