Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences Paper

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM DOSE OF EPICHLOROHYDRIN ON FERTILITY AND GROWTH PARAMETER IN ADULT MALE RATS

K. MUTHU, P. KRISHNAMOORTHY, MANTHIRI KANI AND ARUN SASI

Abstract

A case control study was conducted to assess the effects of long-term dose of epichlorohydrin on fertility, body and reproductive organ weight and level of sex hormones in Wister albino male rats. Ten adult male rats were exposed to epichlorohydrin at a concentration of 100 mg/kg/ b.wt for 90 days. Another ten control male rats received vehicle (distilled water). After 24 hours of the last dose, animals were autopsied under light anesthesia. Several parameters including, body and reproductive organ weight, sperm count and motility, serum testosterone, FSH, levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, SGOT and SGPT were all measured. Assessment of pregnancies in females mixed with tested males was also measured. The results of histological, histometrical and biochemical profiles were compared to that of the control group, and the significance of these results was measured using student t and Chi- square tests. Long-term dose of epichlorohydrin for 90 days caused a significant decrease in spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules of the testes. Sperm motility and density were also significantly reduced in Cauda epididymides and testes of the treated group. The body weights and weight of reproductive organs (testes, epididymides, ventral prostrate and seminal vesicle) were decreased considerably. Hormonal assay also showed significant decrease in testosterone levels. Testicular cell population dynamics also demonstrated a decrease in the number of both primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids in the treatment group. The number of female rats impregnated by male rats on long - term epichlorohydrin dose had decreased. The number of implantations and the number of viable fetuses were also notably decreased in female rats impregnated by male rats exposed epichlorohydrin. Histometry of reproductive organs confirmed these results. These results confirm that the long - term dose of epichlorohydrin produces adverse effects on fertility and reproductive system in adult male rat.