Effect on histological and sperm kinetics in DBP exposed Wistar rats.

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, extensively used as a softener for polyvinyl chloride resins. A study was conducted to evaluate its effect on reproductive function of Wistar rats. DBP was given orally at a dose of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg kg(-1) body weight for 7 days. Evaluating histological and fertility parameters assessed reproductive function. Significant reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter, Leydig cell nuclear diameter (except at dose 500 mg), number of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes and spermatids were observed. Caudal sperm density and viability reduced significantly. Decrease in serum testosterone was also observed. Evidence indicates that DBP exposure causes dose dependent testicular toxicity and has the potential to induce adverse effect.

Metallothionein in male reproductive organs of adrenalectomized and hydrocortisone-treated Wistar rats.

Adrenalectomy resulted in an increase in metallothionein (MT) levels in testes, caput and cauda epididymis and prostate of rats but not in seminal vesicles where its levels decreased significantly. Inspite of administration of hydrocortisone, MT in testes, prostate (1.2 mg), caput (0.3 mg days 2, 8; 0.6 mg and 1.2 mg) and seminal vesicles (0.3 mg day 2, 4; 0.6 mg and 1.2 mg) remained increased. Thus adrenal insufficiency/hydrocortisone has no direct influence on MT levels. However, the increased levels of MT can be related to its ability to protect the cells from free radical damage caused by atrophy of reproductive tissues in adrenalectomised rats. Exogenously administered hydrocortisone to ADX rats resulted in return to ADX state as hydrocortisone metabolizes (half-life < 12 hr) and hence MT levels remained increased. The observations could provide a clue for the physiological functioning of the male reproductive tissue in a state of adrenal deprivation and hormonal supplementation.