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Anguidine-induced testicular injury in Lewis rats
M W Conner1, B H Conner, A E Rogers
1Department of Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
Anguidine (diacetoxyscirpenol, DAS) and other trichothecene mycotoxins are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis and injure organs with rapidly dividing cell populations, including the testis. Testicular structure and function were studied in male Lewis rats 1, 3, 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after exposure at age 12 weeks to anguidine at 1.7 mg/kg body weight given by ip injection. The dose was equivalent to 75% of the ip LD50. Anguidine caused a gradual decline in testicular weight beginning 30 days after treatment. Sperm production was also reduced by 30 days, and the frequency of hypocellular seminiferous tubules increased by day 60. There was no evidence of recovery by 90 days. These changes are consistent with injury to proliferating cells early in the maturation sequence. Epididymal sperm reserves were reduced by 3 days after anguidine administration, prior to the reduction in sperm production, suggesting premature release of spermatozoa from the epididymis.
Insights
Anguidine (diacetoxyscirpenol, DAS) mycotoxin exposure significantly impairs male rat testicular function and structure. The study found lasting damage to sperm production and testicular weight, with no recovery observed within 90 days.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Trichothecene mycotoxins, including anguidine (diacetoxyscirpenol, DAS), are known protein synthesis inhibitors.
- Organs with rapidly dividing cells, such as the testis, are particularly susceptible to mycotoxin-induced injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of anguidine exposure on testicular structure and function in male rats.
- To determine the time course and extent of testicular damage and recovery following anguidine administration.
Main Methods:
- Male Lewis rats were administered anguidine (1.7 mg/kg body weight, 75% of ip LD50) via intraperitoneal injection.
- Testicular weight, sperm production, seminiferous tubule cellularity, and epididymal sperm reserves were assessed at multiple time points (1, 3, 7, 30, 60, and 90 days post-treatment).
Main Results:
- A gradual decline in testicular weight was observed starting 30 days post-treatment.
- Sperm production decreased by day 30, and hypocellular seminiferous tubules increased by day 60.
- Epididymal sperm reserves were reduced by day 3, preceding the decline in sperm production, suggesting premature release.
Conclusions:
- Anguidine exposure causes significant and lasting testicular injury in male rats.
- The observed changes indicate damage to proliferating cells in the spermatogenic lineage.
- No evidence of recovery was noted up to 90 days after anguidine administration.