Abstract

TOXIC INFLUENCE OF ENDOSULFAN (AN ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDE) ON CAUDA EPIDIDYMIS STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF MALE RAT

Nisha Jain, Priyanka Sharma and S. C Joshi*

Abstract

Endosulfan insecticide is a polychlorinated compound used for controlling a variety of insects. It is practically water-insoluble, but readily adheres to clay particles and persists in soil and water for several years. The present study sought to investigate the toxic influence of endosulfan on epididymal structure and function of male rat. Wistar male rats were administered endosulfan at dose level of 10 mg/kg/b.wt per day for 30 and 60 days. Cauda epididymis were subjected for sperm dynamics, biochemical and histopathological analysis. A significant decrease in the weight, sperm motility and sperm density in epididymis was observed. Statistically increase in protein content and decrease in sialic acid, glycogen content was observed at various dose levels of endosulfan treated rats. The activities of epidiymal marker enzymes i.e. phosphodiesterase and adenylate cyclase was decreased. Serum testosterone, Leutinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) were also found to be decreased. Histoarchitecture of cauda epididymis showed various degenerative changes. From the above mentioned findings it has been concluded that the epididymal function and structure was seriously affected by toxic effect of endosulfan.

Keywords: Endosulfan, sperm motility and density, Testosterone.