Assessement of Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Deltamethrin In Male Albino Rats

Introduction: Pyrethroids are important insecticides because of their high activity and low mammalian toxicity. Some studies have demonstrated that these insecticides, especially compounds with an -cyano group, produce toxic effects on various biological systems. Deltamethrin (DTM) is a Type II synthetic pyrethroid insecticide containing -cyano group and is used worldwide in agriculture, home pest control, protection of foodstuff, and disease vector control. In this study, the toxic effects of DTM were evaluated in adult male albino rats. Material & methods: Treated groups were given DTM orally at various dose levels (7.5, 17.5 and 27.5mg/kg b. wt./day for 45 days) with a positive control group-receiving vehicle (olive oil) only and their fertility rate and male sex organs were evaluated. Results: Signs of toxicity and reduction in the weight of testes and accessory sex organs were observed in a dose-dependent manner. DTM brought about marked reduction in epididymal and testicular sperm counts and fertility in insecticide-exposed males. A significant decrease in the sialic acid content of testes, epididymis, ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and testicular glycogen was noticed. However, the cholesterol and protein content of testes and accessory sex organs was raised significantly in all treated groups. A significant reduction in seminal vesicle fructose and serum testosterone was also observed after DTM administration. Histopathological examination revealed severe degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules while these effects were milder at the lowest dose level. Conclusion: These results provide first hand information that DTM adversely affects the reproductive system of male rats.