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Published on: August 6, 2014
A glyphosate-based herbicide induces necrosis and apoptosis in mature rat testicular cells in vitro, and testosterone
Emilie Clair1, Robin Mesnage, Carine Travert
1Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, EA2608, Institute of Biology, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen Cedex, France.
Summary
Roundup herbicide, containing glyphosate, damages rat testicular cells and disrupts hormones even at low environmental doses. High contamination causes acute toxicity, but chronic effects require further study.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Pesticide Action
Background:
- Glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup are widely used globally.
- Glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA contaminate surface waters.
- Increased use on genetically modified crops leads to food and feed residues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of Roundup and glyphosate on mature rat testicular cells.
- To assess endocrine disruption at environmentally relevant concentrations.
- To differentiate toxicity between glyphosate alone and its formulation.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of rat testicular cells to glyphosate and Roundup formulations (1-10000 ppm) for 1-48 hours.
- Assessment of cell viability and toxicity mechanisms (necrosis, apoptosis).
- Evaluation of endocrine disruption, specifically testosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Roundup formulation damaged Leydig cells within 1-48h and other testicular cells via necrosis (24-48h).
- Glyphosate alone primarily affected Sertoli cells.
- Low concentrations (1 ppm) of Roundup and glyphosate significantly decreased testosterone by 35%.
Conclusions:
- Roundup exhibits endocrine-disrupting effects at low environmental doses.
- Acute rat testicular toxicity is observed at high contamination levels.
- Chronic toxicity of glyphosate and its formulations remains insufficiently tested.
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