Effect of propetamphos on the male rats reproductive system

The present study aimed at defining the testicular toxicity of propetamphos. Mature male albino rats (5–6 months old) were treated with propetamphos orally at doses of 0, 0.18, 0.38, 0.75, 1.5 and 3 mg/kg/day for 60 consecutive days. Propetamphos at a dose of 0.38 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the sperm motility only. At 0.75 mg/kg/day sperm count, sperm motility, plasma testosterone level and activity of sorbiol dehydrogenase (SDH) were significantly reduced and sperm morphological abnormalities were significantly increased. At 1.5 mg/kg/day weight of testes, seminal vesicle and epididymis were reduced dose dependently whereas, at 3 mg/kg/day, weight of prostate gland and activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and glucose-6-P-dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were decreased significantly. On histopathological examination indicated toxicity of propetamphos on testes depending on dose and observed at doses higher than 0.38 mg/kg/day. These results indicate testicular toxicity of propetamphos at dose of 0.38 mg/kg/day or higher in male albino rats.