ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To observe the effect of the aqueous extract of hypocotyls of the plant Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenic damage induced by the organophosphate insecticide malathion in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mice were treated with 80 mg/kg of malathion in the presence or absence of an aqueous extract of Maca, which was orally administered 7, 14 or 21 days after injection of the malathion. Stages of the seminiferous epithelium were assessed by transillumination on days 0, 7, 14 and 21.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The administration of Maca increased significantly the length of stage VIII on days 7, 14 and 21 of treatment compared with the controls. An increase in the length of stage IX occurred on day 14 of treatment. Malathion affected spermatogenesis by reducing the lengths of stage IX on day 7, stages VII and IX-XI on day 14 and a recovery of stages IX-XII on day 21. The magnitude of alteration in the length of stage IX produced by malathion was significantly reduced by Maca on days 7 and 14. The length of stage VIII was increased when Maca was administered to mice treated with malathion. Assessment of the relative length of stages of the seminiferous epithelium showed that Maca treatment resulted in rapid recovery of the effect of malathion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Maca enhances spermatogenesis following spermatogenic damage caused by the organophosphorous pesticide.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Drug Administration Schedule , Hypocotyl , Lepidium , Malathion , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts , Therapeutic Uses , Spermatogenesis , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To observe the cytotoxic effect of the organophosphate insecticide malathion in the reproductive tissues of the earthworms, Eisenia foetida.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Worms were nourished in soil treated with malathion at single sub-lethal doses of 0, 80, 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg soil. (LD50=880 mg/kg soil) and evaluated on days 1, 5, 15 and 30 after exposure. The body weights were recorded and male reproductive organs evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Malathion-treated animals showed a significant reduction in body weight in a dose-dependent manner. Malathion treatment modified the disposition of spermatozoa in the basal epithelium of the spermatheca. The Br-deoxyuridine test showed a significant rise in cells in phase S on days 5 and 15. Also, a higher percentage of spermatogonia with fragmented DNA were observed by means of the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique in the spermatheca of treated animals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Treatment with malathion decreased the body weight and the spermatic viability in spermatheca, altering the cell proliferation and modifying the DNA structure of spermatogonia.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Body Weight , DNA Fragmentation , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , In Situ Nick-End Labeling , Malathion , Oligochaeta , Reproduction , S Phase , Genetics , Spermatozoa , Time FactorsABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To observe the acute effect of the organophosphorous insecticide malathion on testicular function in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of a single dose of malathion [240 mg/kg (1/12 LD(50))] on plasma acetylcholinesterase (ACE) activity, spermatozoa (epididymal cauda counts and teratozoospermia), testis and plasma testosterone concentration) were evaluated at day 1, 8, 16, 35 and 40 after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The sperm count was decreased significantly 24 h after treatment and teratozoospermia was increased at day 35 and 40. The height of the seminiferous epithelium and the diameter of tubular lumen were decreased at day 8. The percentage of tubular blockade was increased between day 8 and 35. A decrease in testosterone plasma level was observed at day 16 after treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Malathion damages male reproduction. The depletion of seminiferous tubules and the increase in teratozoospermia may be a genotoxic damage to the renewing spermatogonia, but the possibility of spermatogenic/spermiogenic disfunction due to a decrease in the plasma testosterone level can not be ruled out.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Mice , Insecticides , Pharmacology , Malathion , Pharmacology , Mice, Inbred Strains , Seminiferous Tubules , Pathology , Sperm Count , Spermatogenesis , Spermatozoa , Congenital Abnormalities , Testosterone , Blood , Time FactorsABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the effect of exposure to commercial Parathion (Pc) on the reproductive parameters (sperm and cocoon production and genotoxicity on male germ cells), the survival, the body weight and the gross anatomical changes in Eisenia foetida.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three doses of Pc (1478, 739 and 444 mg/kg of soil) and three time intervals of exposure (5, 15 and 30 days) were used.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All treated animals were affected. An acute genotoxic effect, revealed by DNA fragmentation (comet assay), was seen by 5 days. Alterations in reproductive parameters were conspicuous in regard to the number of sperm, cocoons and worms born, and the histological observation of the gonads and seminal receptacles. In addition, the body weight and survival rate were decreased. Neuromuscular function was also affected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Earthworms are suitable bioindicators of chemical contamination of the soil, their advantage being their easy and economical handling.</p>