Effect of propetamphos on the male rats reproductive system

The present study aimed at defining the testicular toxicity of propetamphos. Mature male albino rats (5-6 months old) were treated with propetamphos orally at doses of 0, 0.18, 0.38, 0.75, 1.5 and 3mg/kg/day for 60 consecutive days. Propetamphos at a dose of 0.38 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the sperm motility only. At 0.75 mg/kg/day sperm count, sperm motility, plasma testosterone level and activity of sorbiol dehydrogenase (SDH) were significantly reduced and sperm morphological abnormalities were significantly increased. At 1.5mg/kg/day weight of testes, seminal vesicle and epididymis were reduced dose dependently whereas, at 3mg/kg/day, weight of prostate gland and activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and glucose-6-P-dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were decreased significantly. On histopathological examination indicated toxicity of propetamphos on testes depending on dose and observed at doses higher than 0.38 mg/kg/day. These results indicate testicular toxicity of propetamphos at dose of 0.38 mg/kg/day or higher in male albino rats.