engleski

Reproductive toxicity of insecticide lindane as a frequent food contaminant

Pesticides have been found to affect the mammalian reproductive system by inducing changes in the neuroendocrine and target tissues. The primary target of lindane (gama-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-hexachlorocyclohexane) and related insecticides in the nervous system of mammals is the synapses. It is also possible that lindane influences the reproductive functions of mammals by changing the liver metabolism of steroids. Once entering the blood stream, after the consuming the food with lindane residues, it can cross the placenta, as well as the brain barrier or reach the hormone-depended organs and tissues. involved in the reproductive system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lindane on male reproduction by measuring the toxicity in rats, chosen as an experimental model. The testicular sperm number, epididymal sperm number and motility, as well as alpha-glucosidase activity in epididymis, were determined after the i.p. treatment with lindane doses of 9 and 18 mg/kg b.w. twice a week over 60 days. Absolute values of the epididymal sperm number were lower in the animals treated with both doses compared to the control values. The sperm number in controls was 16.50+0.733 x10^6 /mL, while after the lindane treatment with the lower dose it was 9.50+0.543 x 10^6 /mL and with the higher dose 8.30+0.761 x 10^6 /mL. The dose responded changes in epididymal sperm motility were also detected: in controls 49.79+2.125%, after treatment with the lower dose 27.80+1.849% and after the higher dose 15.90+3.271%. Relative organ and tissue weights (epididymis, prostate, anterior pituitary and testis) were measured at the end of the treatment. The significant decrease of prostate and anterior pituitary weights was detected in the both treated groups. Presented results imply that the organochlorine insecticides like lindane, can cause the reproductive disorders, and are calling for more attention and control of foodstuffs with the persistent pesticide residues.

pesticide residues in food; lindane; reproductive toxicity; male

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