Evaluation of Toxic Impacts of Mancozeb on Testis in Rats

Abstract: These days pollution of the environment by pesticides is a problem of great importance and is of everybody’s concern. Mancozeb, a fungicide, was listed for male reproductive toxicity. The fungicide was administered to Wistar strain male albino rats orally at the dose level of 500 mg/kg b.wt./day for 30 days. Sex organ weight analysis, fertility, biochemical and enzymatic parameters and testosterone level were the criteria used to evaluate the toxicity of Mancozeb on treated rats. The weight of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate decreased significantly. Mancozeb treatment also brought about marked reduction in epididymis and testicular sperm counts in exposed males. Pre- and post-fertility test showed 80 % negative results after treatment. A significant reduction in the testicular glycogen and sialic acid was observed whereas a significant increase in the protein and cholesterol content of testis was noticed. In addition, acid phosphatase enzyme activity increased significantly while alkaline phosphatase activity showed a sharp decline. Mancozeb also suppressed testosterone level significantly. In conclusion, Mancozeb exerts toxic effects on testis of rats. Key words: Mancozeb, testis, sperm dynamics, testosterone