Effect of malathion on the male reproductive organs of earthworms, Eisenia foetida.

Abstract

AIM:

To observe the cytotoxic effect of the organophosphate insecticide malathion in the reproductive tissues of the earthworms, Eisenia foetida.

METHODS:

Worms were nourished in soil treated with malathion at single sub-lethal doses of 0, 80, 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg soil. (LD50=880 mg/kg soil) and evaluated on days 1, 5, 15 and 30 after exposure. The body weights were recorded and male reproductive organs evaluated.

RESULTS:

Malathion-treated animals showed a significant reduction in body weight in a dose-dependent manner. Malathion treatment modified the disposition of spermatozoa in the basal epithelium of the spermatheca. The Br-deoxyuridine test showed a significant rise in cells in phase S on days 5 and 15. Also, a higher percentage of spermatogonia with fragmented DNA were observed by means of the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique in the spermatheca of treated animals.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with malathion decreased the body weight and the spermatic viability in spermatheca, altering the cell proliferation and modifying the DNA structure of spermatogonia.

• Authors: Omar Espinoza-Navarro, Eduardo Bustos-Obregon
• Journal: Asian journal of andrology (Asian J Androl) Vol. 7 Issue 1 Pg. 97-101 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 1008-682X [Print] China
• PMID: 15685359 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Malathion

Topics

• Animals
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• DNA Fragmentation
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• In Situ Nick-End Labeling
• Malathion (adverse effects)
• Male
• Oligochaeta (drug effects)
• Reproduction (drug effects)
• S Phase (drug effects, genetics)
• Spermatozoa (drug effects)
• Time Factors