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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
[In utero exposure to dichlorvos induces apoptosis of Leydig cells in rats]
Li Zeng1, Yu-Yun Wang, Jie Zhang
1Division of Pediadric Urology, Department of Pediadric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Objective:
To observe the influence of the organophosphate insecticide dichlorvos on the apoptosis of Leydig cells in the male offspring of the SD rats exposed to dichlorvos, and to investigate the role of the changes of Leydig cells in genitourinary malformation.
Methods:
Twenty-one pregnant SD rats were divided into a corn oil control group and 6 dichlorvos groups, the former given by gavage 1.0 ml corn oil daily, and the latter dichlorvos at the dose of 1, 4, 8, 16, 20 and 24 mg/kg daily from the 12th to 17th day of conception. After birth, 5 male neonates were randomly selected from each of the control and dichlorvos groups, and their testes were harvested to be analyzed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry with anti-caspase-3 antibodies and DAPI fluorescent staining. At 90 days after birth, another 5 of the male offspring were taken from each group and their testes were collected for the same analyses.
Results:
Statistically significant differences were found in the number of both the caspase-3 positive and DAPI labeled Leydig cells in the testes of the rat offspring between the corn oil and the 4, 8, 16, 20 and 24 mg/kg dichlorvos groups (P < 0.05), but not between the control and the 1 mg/kg dichlorvos groups (P > 0.05). The apoptosis of Leydig cells was increased in the male offspring of the dichlorvos-exposed SD rats in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion:
Exposure of pregnant rats to dichlorvos can increase the apoptosis of Leydig cells in the male offspring, which, in turn, may reduce the number of Leydig cells, interfere with the testis function during the embryonic period, and damage the development of the genitourinary system.
Insights
Exposure to the organophosphate insecticide dichlorvos increases Leydig cell apoptosis in male rat offspring. This dose-dependent effect may impair testicular function and genitourinary system development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Organophosphate insecticides like dichlorvos are widely used, posing potential risks to non-target organisms.
- Leydig cells are crucial for testosterone production and male reproductive development.
- Prenatal exposure to environmental toxins can have lasting effects on offspring health.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of prenatal dichlorvos exposure on Leydig cell apoptosis in male Sprague-Dawley rat offspring.
- To determine the relationship between dichlorvos-induced Leydig cell apoptosis and genitourinary malformations.
Summary:
- Pregnant rats were exposed to varying doses of dichlorvos (1-24 mg/kg) or corn oil during a critical developmental window (days 12-17 of gestation).
- Leydig cell apoptosis was assessed in male offspring testes postnatally and at 90 days using HE staining, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3, and DAPI staining.
- Dichlorvos exposure significantly increased Leydig cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, with effects observed at doses of 4 mg/kg and higher.
Impact:
- Prenatal dichlorvos exposure can lead to increased Leydig cell apoptosis in male offspring.
- Elevated Leydig cell apoptosis may compromise testicular function and contribute to genitourinary system maldevelopment.
- Findings highlight the potential reproductive and developmental toxicity of dichlorvos, necessitating careful risk assessment.
