[ effects of trifluralin on LH, FSH, and testosterone levels and testis histological changes in adult rats]

Trifluralin is a dinitroaniline herbicide and is used for controlling of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in agriculture. It enters into the plants through developing roots and stops plant cells from dividing and elongation [meristemic inhibitor]. According to entrance of this herbicide into the body via fresh vegetables, in this research the effects of trifluralin on reproductive parameters of the male wistar rats including serum LH, FSH, testosterone, and changes in testicular tissue and body weight were investigated. In this experimental study, forty male wistar rats with weight of 250 +/- 5g were randomly divided in 5 groups, including control, sham [received normal saline as a solvent], and three experimental groups receiving 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg oral trifluralin, respectively. It was administered orally once a day for 16 days. After 16 days, body and testis weight were measured and blood samples were taken from heart and used for measurement of LH, FSH and testosterone levels. To evaluate histological changes, testes were removed and weighed and, after obtaining tissue section, stained by Hematoxilin-Eosine. Serum testosterone, FSH, and LH levels showed significant decrease in experimental groups [p<0.001, p<0.05]. There was significant decrease in the number of germinal and somatic cells in testis in experimental groups [p<0.05]. There was also a significant decrease in body and testis weight, and concentration of sperms in experimental groups [p<0.05]. Oral administration of trifluralin could decrease gonadotropins and testosterone levels and impair steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by oxidative stress and production of free radicals