engleski

Toxic effect of atrazine on spermatogenesis in rat

Damages of testicular and seminal cells caused by xenobiotics are reflected in various histological and biochemical changes, and in the disturbance of spermatogenesis. The structure, the number, the motility and the vitality of sperm are useful parameters for valuation of its production and quality, of fertility, as well as of the exposure to toxic substances. The effects of atrazine, s-triazine herbicide, on sperm motility and a-glucosidase activity in rat epididymis, on the number of spermatozoa in rat epididymis and testes, and on the ultrastructure of testicular tissue were examined in this study. The treatment of sexually mature rats with atrazine dose of either 60 or 120 mg/kg b.w., twice a week over 60 days, exerted the inhibitory effect on the process of spermatogenesis, and it caused the morphological changes in testicles. The process of cell maturation of testicular seminal epithelium, and of spermatogenesis was disturbed. The holes within the testicular cells were noticed in atrazine treated rats. Spermatogenesis was still maintained, but the presence of spermatocytes in the parts towards the lumen, and cell clusters in the lumen, indicated the disorganization of testicular cells. Significant increase (45% - 49%) in testicular sperm number was followed with the decrease (25% - 50%) of sperm number in epididymis. The epididymal a-glucosidase activity showed a significant decrease (for 24%) in animals treated with the atrazine dose of 60 mg/kg b.w., and the higher atrazine dose (120 mg/kg b.w.) caused a 30% decrease of the enzyme activity compared with the control. The sperm motility in both atrazine treated groups of animals was 50% lower compared with the control values. Results show that atrazine exerts significant toxic effect on male rat reproductive system.

atrazine; testis; epididymis; spermatogenesis; alpha-glucosidase

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