Effects of pirimiphos-methyl (an organophosphate insecticide) on the fertility of adult male rats.
BACKGROUND
Organophosphate insecticides represent one of the most widely used classes of pesticides with high potential for human exposure in both rural and residential environments.


OBJECTIVE
In the present study, we investigated the effects of pirimiphos-methyl (0, 2-diethylamino-6-methylpirimidin-4-yl O, O-dimethyl phosphorothioate), an organophosphothioate pesticide, on male rat reproductive performances.


METHODS
A total of 24 adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each and orally treated with 0, 41.67, 62.5 or 125 mg/kg of pirimiphos-methyl for 90 days.


RESULTS
Results from the study showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in feed consumption, body weight gain, relative testis and epidiydimis weights and intra-testicular cholesterol level in rats receiving the test substance at doses of 62.5 or 125 mg/kg whereas a significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum total protein, sperm density and motility, fertility and parturition indices and pups sex-ratio (M/F) was recorded in animals treated with 125 mg/Kg of pirimiphos methyl. Histological findings also indicated enlargement of interstitial space, inhibition of spermatogenesis, rarefaction of Leydig cells and oedema in testes compared to control animals.


CONCLUSIONS
It could then be concluded that pirimiphos-methyl (62.5 and 125 mg/kg) is detrimental to the reproductive potentials of male rats.
Ngoula
Ferdinand
F
University of Dschang, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Productions, Dschang, Cameroon. fngoula@yahoo.fr
Watcho
Pierre
P
Dongmo
Marie-Chantal
MC
Kenfack
Augustave
A
Kamtchouing
Pierre
P
Tchoumboué
Joseph
J
D000818:Animals; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000139:chemically induced; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology
D007306:Insecticides; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds; C014153:pirimiphos methyl