Effect of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin on fertility in male rats

The effect of cypermethrin [ectomin] at two dosage level on male reproductive organs were studied, the tested doses 1/40 and 1/30 LD[50], respectively were given for 65 successive days to male rats. Sex organ weight, semen picture, testosterone level were the criteria used to evaluate the productive efficiency of the treated male rats. Both doses decreased the weights of most genital organs, sperm cell concentration, percentage of live sperm, sperm motility and increased the percentage of total sperm abnormalities. A decrease in the plasma testosterone level was observed in all treated groups. After 65 days on treatment and 30 days after last dose of drug administration as compared to control gorup. Histopathological examination was carried out on testes and accessory glands [prostate and seminal vesicle] there was incomplete spermatogenic process in the most of semineferous tubules, and activaiton of epithelial cell lining prostatic acini with polyps formation protruded in the lumenae with cystic formation, while seminal vesicle showed cystic dilatation with polyps formation these changes were more potent in the large dose

Residual analysis of some heavy metals in water and oreochromis niloticus fish from polluted areas

A total of 30 water samples were collected from three industrial localities in Egypt [Helwan [El-Marazek Bridge], Kaha and Kafr El-Zayat]. Ten water samples were collected from each locality near by and at various distances from the outlet of the local industrial establishments. At the same time, 60 Oreochromis niloticus [O. niloticus] fishes [20 fishes from each locality] were obtained from the same localities of water samples during the period of summer season in 1998. Lead, cadmium, mercury, copper and zinc levels were determined in both water samples and fish flesh by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Moreover, the effect of some heat treatments [frying and roasting] on mercury residues in fish flesh was studied. From the obtained data, it was detected that the highest values of lead, mercury, copper and zinc were found in water samples collected from Kafr El-Zayat, while cadmium was detected at its highest level in water samples collected from Kaha district. On the other hand, it was observed that the highest values of heavy metal residues in fish samples were found in Helwan, while mercury was detected at its highest level in fish samples collected from Kafr El-Zayat. Moreover, it was found that frying had a stronger effect than roasting in decreasing the residual level of mercury in fish samples. The obtained data indicated a correlation between accumulation of heavy metals in fishes and its concentrations in water. Public health importance and the hazardous toxic effects of these heavy metals as well as the suggestive recommendations to minimize water and fish pollution with these heavy metals were discussed