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Chromosome aberrations in spermatogonia and sperm abnormalities in Curacron-treated mice
S M el Nahas1, H A de Hondt, H E Abdou
1Unit of Cell Biology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Curacron is an organophosphorus pesticide widely used in cotton fields. In order to assay its mutagenic potential in mammalian germ cells chromosomal aberrations in spermatogonial cells and sperm abnormalities were examined in mice after Curacron treatment. For studying chromosomal aberrations mice were treated both acutely (single treatment) and subacutely (for 5 consecutive days) with 3 dose levels of Curacron, 12, 36 and 72 mg/kg. Curacron was found to produce a significant increase in structural chromosomal aberrations after acute and subacute treatments. This increase was dose-dependent. A dose-dependent inhibition in mitotic activity in spermatogonia was also found. For studying sperm abnormalities mice were treated for 5 consecutive days with 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg. Morphological sperm abnormalities increased significantly after treatment with Curacron. The increase was dose-dependent. An inhibition of 40.2% in sperm count and of 74.5% in sperm motility occurred after treatment with 60 mg/kg Curacron. These results show that Curacron has a damaging effect on spermatogonial cells as well as on sperm morphology.
Insights
Curacron, an organophosphate pesticide, significantly increases chromosomal aberrations and sperm abnormalities in mice germ cells. This pesticide exhibits a dose-dependent damaging effect on spermatogonial cells and sperm morphology.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Organophosphate pesticides are widely utilized in agriculture.
- Assessing the mutagenic potential of pesticides in mammalian germ cells is crucial for public health.
- Curacron is a commonly used organophosphate pesticide in cotton cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the mutagenic effects of Curacron on mammalian germ cells.
- To examine chromosomal aberrations in spermatogonial cells and sperm abnormalities in mice exposed to Curacron.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered Curacron at various dose levels (12-72 mg/kg) through acute and subacute treatments.
- Chromosomal aberrations in spermatogonial cells and sperm morphology were analyzed.
- Sperm count and motility were assessed following Curacron exposure.
Main Results:
- Curacron exposure led to a significant, dose-dependent increase in structural chromosomal aberrations in spermatogonial cells.
- A dose-dependent inhibition of mitotic activity in spermatogonia was observed.
- Significant increases in morphological sperm abnormalities, reduced sperm count, and decreased sperm motility were documented.
Conclusions:
- Curacron demonstrates mutagenic potential, inducing chromosomal damage in spermatogonial cells.
- The pesticide negatively impacts sperm morphology, count, and motility.
- These findings highlight the reproductive toxicity of Curacron in male mammals.