Nitric oxide mediated effects on reproductive toxicity caused by carbon disulfide in male rats

This study investigated nitric oxide (NO) mediation of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) toxicity that compromised male rat spermatogenesis and endocrine function. Rats were exposed to multiple levels of CS(2) concentration (0, 50, 250, 1250 mg/m(3)). A 1250 mg/m(3) CS(2)+sodium nitroprusside (SNP) group and a 1250 mg/m(3) CS(2)+NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) group were established to explore the role of NO in mediating CS(2) toxicity. NO concentrations, NO synthase (NOS) activity, and sex hormone levels were measured, and sperm characteristics were observed and analyzed. Our data show that CS(2) exposure decreased: NOS activity; tissue NO concentrations; serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, luteinizing hormones, and testosterone; and sperm count and activity. In contrast, increased serum follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations and teratospermia were observed with CS(2) exposure. SNP reduced some of the toxic effects of CS(2), while L-NMMA treatment showed no effect. The results suggests that NO mediates compromised reproductive system function caused by CS(2) exposure.