title: Effects of the herbicide Roundup on the epididymal region of drakes Anas platyrhynchos.
abstract: Exposure to the Roundup has been shown to affect StAR protein and aromatase expression and activity, pointing out that this herbicide may cause adverse effects in animal reproduction by affecting androgen and estrogen synthesis. We tested this hypothesis by investigating the in vivo effects of the Roundup on the testis and epididymal region of drake Anas platyrhynchos. The exposure to the herbicide resulted in alterations in the structure of the testis and epididymal region as well as in the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol, with changes in the expression of androgen receptors restricted to the testis. The harmful effects were more conspicuous in the proximal efferent ductules and epididymal ducts, suggesting higher sensitivity of these segments among the male genital organs. The effects were mostly dose dependent, indicating that this herbicide may cause disorder in the morphophysiology of the male genital system of animals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, CEP 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: André G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Luiz F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Telles
authors.forename: Rex A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hess
authors.forename: Germán A B
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Mahecha
authors.forename: Cleida A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004372:Ducks; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005998:Glycine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000633:toxicity; D006540:Herbicides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D000097797:Glyphosate
chemical_list: D004958:Estradiol; D005998:Glycine; D006540:Herbicides; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013739:Testosterone; D000097797:Glyphosate