engleski

Atrazine inhibits reproductive processes in rats

Atrazine is shown to be responsible for serious failures involved in reproductive processes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in tissues involved in production of peptide and steroid hormones regulated by feedback mechanisms in the rats. Male rats were treated i.p. with 120 mg of atrazine/kg b.w. during 60 days twice a week, while female rats were treated with the same dose during 10 days every day, and vaginal smears were taken daily. Tissue samples were prepared for light and electron microscopy. The immunohistochemistry was performed with DAKO LSAB"2 Kit, Peroxydase for use on Rat Specimens. Pituitary of atrazine treated male rats showed increased amount of FSH (70%) and reduced amount of LH (25%) vs. control values from intact rats. Histopatological changes of pituitary were characterized by proliferate changes and cell vacuolations. The results show structural and functional changes in both male and female rats caused by atrazine. Female rats lack the ovulation characterized by prolonged diestrous phase. In the ovary, degeneration of follicular cells and follicular athresia is found. In seminiferous tubules of atrazine treated rats, the early and late spermatids were disorganized and often desquamated. The number of late spermatids was reduced in several tubules. Ultrastructural examinations reveal a number of macrophages within the tubular lumen and between early spermatids. Sertoli and Leydig cells showed ultrastructural changes because of direct toxic effect or due to hormonal changes. The correlation between FSH and LH production cells was changed in both male and female rats. For the reproduction, homeostasis atrazine could be a serious treat.

atrazine; rat; reproduction; ovulation; spermatogenesis; FSH; LH

nije evidentirano