Evaluation of subchronic exposure of the male rat's reproductive Evaluation of subchronic exposure of the male rat's reproductive

Abstract EN

Carbonate insecticides are widely used in industry, agriculture and for public health purposes. Numerous incidents of acute carbonate poisoning have resulted from inhalation of sprays or contamination of crops or food.

This work was conducted to study the effect of sub chronic exposure to methomyl on hormonal and histopathologically changes in the rat testis.

The treated group received methomyl orally (17 mglkg in saline) daily for two months while, the control group received saline.

A significant decrease in the level of testosterone was observed in the intoxicated animals, while the levels of FSH, LH and prolactin were significantly increased.

Histopathologically studies of the intoxicated rat testis revealed variable degrees of degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules up to total cellular destruction.

The hormonal changes and testicular damage continued for 30 days after withdrawal of the insecticide indicating a persistent effect.

From the above mentioned findings, it has been concluded that sub chronic exposure to methomyl insecticide has an obvious deleterious effects on rat testes.

Therefore, application of such insecticide should be limited to a designed programmer with special care in handling to limit or minimize its hazards.