Endocrine Abstracts

The present study was carried out to investigate the possible toxic effects of different doses of a two component of Nurelle D 220 EC (200 g of chlorpyriphos-ethyl and 20 g cypermethrin per 1 l) on blood hematology, testosterone and thyroxin levels, and semen quality of male rats. As well as histological examination of testis and epididymis. The investigation covered four groups of 8 rats each: three experimental groups and one served as control. The mixture liquid was given to rats by oral route at different doses in the form of a water solution. Experimental groups received 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg bw/day of the insecticide for 6-weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for measuring the hematological parameters and serum levels of testosterone and thyroxin. Testes and epididymes were removed for measuring semen quality and histology. The obtained results showed that all three doses of Nurelle D caused significant decrease in the body weight gains. Weights of testes, epididymes and seminal vesicles were significantly decreased, while weights of liver and kidney were significantly increased in rats receiving 15 mg/kg only. Hematological study showed that the insecticide Nurelle D caused a pronounced change in blood parameters especially in the highest dose. Similarly, the dose of 15 mg/kg induced significant decrease in spermatids number, sperm count, motility and daily sperm production (DSP), while dead and abnormal sperm, and sperm transit rate were significantly increased. This was proved histopathologically by the pronounced alteration of architecture of epididymes and testes with dramatically reduce of spermatozoa produced in lumen of testes accompanied by a significant reduction of tubular diameters. Such observations were coupled with a reduction in plasma testosterone levels and an increase in plasma free thyroxin (FT4) levels compared to control. It is, therefore assumed that treatment with Nurelle D up to 15 mg/kg bw alters both hematological and reproductive parameters in rats, and subsequently affects fertility.