Hypothyroidism after medium exposure to the fungicide maneb in the rabbit Cuniculus lepus

Dithiocarbamate are widely used as fungicides because of their efficacy against a broad spectrum of fungi and their associated plant diseases. Maneb is one of Ethylenebisdithiocarabamate (EBDCs). Males domestic rabbits received (by gavage) 2, 3, 5 and 8 mg/kg body weight of maneb, for a period of 5 weeks. Total body weights were measured at 48 h interals. At the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrified and some of organs such as, liver, testes, spleen and the kidney were weighted. The obtained data reveal that the used fungicide induces a remarkable increase in body weight of all the treated animals, particularly with the higher dose as compared with control group. An increase in plasma triglycerides, glucose and of cholesterol levels has been recorded. Moreover, a reduction in the weight of kidneys and testes in animals receiving 5 and 8 mg/kg, while a remarkable increase in the weight of the liver has been observed. Thyroxin concentrations underwent a significant reduction in treated individuals. A very significant reduction in, the number, speed and mobility of spermatozoa accompanied with a high ratio of spermatozoa deformation in the treated groups was noticed. In conclusion, administration of maneb causes thyroid pathology and affects the biology of sperms with histological deformation of testes.