engleski

Effects of atrazine on spermatogenesis

Enviromental hazards pose a clear threat to human reproduction. However such hazards may be predicted by the use of appropriate animal models. These models provide the focus for this important reference work. We are exposed to pesticides every day through the water and food. To evaluate the possible structural changes in male rats due to atrazine the Fischer rats were given atrazine in oil solutions at the dose of 120 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneously twice a week during 60 days. The pituitary and testis tissues were fixed in Bouin's solution, dehydrated and embedded in paraplast. The blocks were sectioned and stained with hemalaun and eosin. Gonadotropic cells were determined by avidin-biotin immunohistochemical method. For electron microscopy study the tissues were fixed in 1% glutaraldehyde, postfixed in osmium tetroxide, dehydrated, rinsed in propylene oxide and embedded in Epon. Ultrathin sections (70 nm) were mounted on copper grids, contrasted with lead citrate and uranyl acetate and examined by transmission electron microscope. Pituitary of atrazine treated rats showed significantly increased amount of FSH (75%) and reduced amount of LH secreting cells (25%) vs. control value from intact rats. Histopatological changes of pituitary were characterized by proliferative changes and cell vacuolations. In testes of atrazine treated rats the early and late spermatids were disorganised. The number of late spermatids was reduced in several tubules. Sertoli and Leydig cells showed ultrastructural changes as a result of hormonal changes through direct or indirect influence of atrazine with the final effect on spermatogenesis.

atrazine; testis; toxicology; immunohistochemistry; electron microscopy

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