Steroidogenic inhibition in testicular tissue of formaldehyde exposed rats

Three groups of rats (n = 10) were subjected to intraperitoneal treatment of formaldehyde daily at doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight over a period of 30 days. Gradual diminution in body and testicular weight was observed in all treated groups. Leyding cell impairement was conspicuous in those given doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg. Inhibition of 3 beta-delta 5-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and accumulation of sudanophillic materials in testicular tissue of formaldehyde treated rats was recorded histochemically. Significant decline of serum testosterone was also observed in the same groups. Structural and functional impairement of Leydig cells after formaldehyde treatment caused steroidogenic inhibition.