Protective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice

Objective Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate pesticide, is widely used in farms in order to preserve crops and fruits. Previous studies have shown that CPF exposure might cause chronic toxicity in male genital system. The present study investigated the protective effect of N- Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant against toxicity effect of CPF in male mice. MaterialsAndMethods in an experimental study, 42 adult male mice were divided into seven groups; CPF at low dosage of 0/5 mg/kg b.w and high dosage of 5 mg/kg b.w., NAC group (35 mg/kg b.w.), NAC+chlorpyrifos 0/5 mg/kg b.w, NAC+chlorpyrifos 5 mg/kg b.w, DMSO (0.75% solution mg/kg b.w) and control group. All groups were intraperitoneal injected. Treatment was conducted for consecutive four weeks (five days each week), however NAC had injected to NAC+chlorpyrifos groups five days before the treatment procedure began. One week after last day of treatment, mice were sacrificed using anesthetic gas to evaluate toxic alterations in testicular histology and also sperm parameters. Results Seminiferous tubules area and diameter were significantly diminished in 5 mg/kg CPF group (P