Endosulfan Induced Male Infertility Study in Swiss Albino Mice: Evaluation of Effect on Testosterone and Sperm Count

Abstract

A number of animal studies as well as human epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure of males to various agents could result in abnormal reproductive toxicity. Endosulfan is known to cause deleterious effects on the reproductive organs of human, but the extent of damage to sperm parameters of swiss albino mice is not known clearly. Hence this study on sperm morphology, sperm count and sperm motility.The dose of 3mg/kg body weight of Endosulfan was administered to 12 weeks old male swiss albino mice by oral gavage method for 6, 12 and 18 weeks respectively.100 Mice were segregated into 4 groups. 3 groups were administered with Endosulfan and the rest one group served as control. After the last treatment, the animals were sacrificed on 6^th, 12^th, 18^th weeks and the sperm parameters were estimated. The serum was analyzed for Testosterone and testis was fixed for light microscopy study. It significantly decreased the sperm motility and sperm count. Endosulfan exposure significantly decreased the testosterone levels. There was distinct histopathological alterations in testicular tissue. Endosulfan has negative effects on the sperm parameters of Swiss albino mice, thus affecting fertility.