Effect of Imidacloprid on the Testicular Activity and Endocrine Disruptive and Its Impact on Fertility in Male Rats

Abstract

The present study aims at finding out effect of imidacloprid (IM) on the testicular activity and endocrine disruptive and its impact on fertility in male rats. Results. Administration of imidacloprid, orally (2 doses:45 and 90 mg/kg b.w) to adult male rats for 4(D1), 8 (D2) or 12 (D3) weeks caused a disorganization of the spermatogenic cells, degeneration and congested of interstitial connective tissue, degeneration of seminiferous tubule, reduction in number of cell layers per seminiferous tubules, number of seminiferous tubule sections, percentage of normal seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubule diameter height of the germinal epithelium, Infiltration of the immune-mononuclear cells, and a decrease in weight of the body, testes, epididymis, Vas deference, Seminal vesicle and prostate, this change was significant after 4 weeks of treatment in high dose treated rats whereas it was significant after 8 weeks treatment in low dose treated rats, when compared to controls. Fertility index in female, Gestation index, weight of the litter born and number pups to rats mated with IM treated (two doses) males in D2 or D3 was lower than controls whereas Gestation period, Fertility index of mal, viability index, Sex-ratio at birth did not significantly vary from controls.

Long Term Administration of <i>Lannea acida</i> Rich. (Anacardiaceae) Reverses the Imidacloprid-Induced Fertility Impairments in Adult Male Rat through Androgenic and Antioxidant Properties

“…The fertility test was conducted as described by [3] with minor adjustments. The test was performed during the last 10 days of treatments (days 47 to 56).…”

“…After sacrifice, the fresh left cauda epididymis of each rat was crushed in 10ml of saline solution (0.9%) at 34˚C to evaluate sperm motility, count, viability and morphology (normality). The procedure followed the steps described by [20] and [3]. 10 μl of a diluted solution were inserted in A (Ratio: 1/1) and B (Ratio: 1/2) chambers of the Mallassez hemocytometer.…”

“…They exert their toxic effects even at low doses through food consumption including fruits, vegetables or water [1] [2]. Pesticides (one of the most important EDCs) are used in agriculture or veterinary medicine to promote productivity by fighting against devastating insects [3] [4] [5]. Pesticides are toxic chemicals that interfere with synthesis, secretion or action of endogenous hormones and disrupt their function in target organisms [6].…”

“…IMI is the first neonicotinoid insecticide registered for use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United States Environmental Protection Agency classified this molecule as a "moderately toxic" Class II or III requiring a Warning or Caution labels on sold products [3]. Indeed, IMI causes neurotoxicity in target insects by blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) thereby preventing acetylcholine action and resulting in the insect's death.…”