ABSTRACT
The current study explores the effect of the organophosphorus compound [dimethoate] on male reproductive efficiency, tissue residues and its pathological picture. Dimethoate was given either directly to aibino rats at dose level 1/10, 1/20, 1/40 of LD50 and also given green sprayed forage along 65 consecutive days. The results indicated that dimethoate altered the biochemical parameters of serum indicating liver and kidney dysfunction. Also semen picture and the weight of male sexual organs [testes, prostate and seminal vesicle] together with [lower testosterone level gave indication for lower reproductive efficiency. Tissue dimethoate residues were detected in liver, testes and skeletal muscles. Concerning hepathological findings dimethoate induced degenerative changes in liver, kidneys and heart in the form of cloudy swelling, vacuolar and hydropic degeneration. Focal areas of hemorrhages and necrosis were also seen in liver and kidneys. Vascular lesions in the form of congestion, thrombosis and necrosis of blood vessels as well as perivascular mononuclear infiltration were also pronounced. The mostly affected organs were brain and testes especially in rats given dimethoate contaminated feed. These changes included vesiculation in the brain tissue, encephalomalacia as well as satellitosis and neurophagia. The testes showed atrophy of seminiferous tubules together with fibrosis, intertubular edema and failure of spermatogenesis. We advise that great attention should be taken when dealing with such insecticides in order to avoid its various adverse action on different body tissue