Detrimental effects of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on reproductive physiology of male albino rats

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin, singly and in combination on reproductive physiology of male albino rats. Thirty six mature male rats were used for this study. Completely randomized design was used in a 3×3 factorial format. Meaning there were 3 treatments (chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos+cypermethrin) and each treatment had 3 groups (A, B and C) and each group had 4 rats. Group A was the control and received distilled water. Group B received 5 mg kg-1 b.wt., of treatment while Group C received 10 mg kg-1 b.wt., of treatment. Treatments were administered via oral gavage and lasted for 65 days. The rats were sacrificed; blood and sperm samples were collected and examined. The result revealed that the treatments significantly (p<0.05) reduced epididymal sperm motility, viability and count of rats. While sperm head abnormality increased significantly in treated rats. Furthermore, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and prolactin levels reduced significantly (p<0.05) in treated rats compared to those in the control group. The findings of this study therefore indicate that repeated oral exposure to chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin, both singly and in combination had adverse effects on the reproductive physiology of male albino rats.