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Effects of diazinon on the ovarian tissue of rats: a histochemical and ultrastructural study
Feras Abou Hasan1, Hasan Serdar Mutlu2, İlkay Özdemir3
1Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Despite the negative environmental and biologic effects, organophosphates have currently been widely used. We aimed to examine the possible negative effects of diazinon, a type of organophosphate, on rat ovarian tissue. Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. No treatment was given to control, olive oil was applied to sham group. Experimental groups were injected intraperitoneally with 30 and 60 mg/kg/day diazinon, respectively. 24 h later, ovarian tissues were extracted, preparated, examined via light and electron microscope. In the experimental groups granulosa and corpus luteum showed degenerative changes. Dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and morphological alterations of mitochondria in granulosa cells were detected utrastructurally. Also, accumulation of lipid droplets and autophagic vacuoles was observed in cells of corpus luteum. A statistically significant dose-dependent decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase reactivity and a statistically significant increase in caspase-3 expression in cells of atretic follicles and corpus luteum were observed. Results show that exposure to a single dose of diazinon may disrupt antioxidant system, trigger atresia in follicles and negatively effect corpus luteum functions. It was concluded that studies applying possible antioxidant treatments should be carried out to reduce and prevent the negative effects of diazinon on the reproductive system.
Insights
Diazinon, an organophosphate pesticide, causes ovarian tissue damage in rats by disrupting the antioxidant system and affecting follicle and corpus luteum function. Further research into antioxidant treatments is recommended to mitigate these reproductive effects.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Organophosphates, like diazinon, are widely used despite known environmental and biological risks.
- Understanding the specific impact of diazinon on reproductive tissues is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detrimental effects of diazinon exposure on rat ovarian tissue.
- To analyze the cellular and subcellular changes induced by diazinon.
Main Methods:
- Wistar Albino rats were divided into control, sham, and two diazinon-treated groups (30 and 60 mg/kg/day).
- Ovarian tissues were examined using light and electron microscopy 24 hours post-injection.
- Biochemical assays assessed superoxide dismutase, catalase, and caspase-3 expression.
Main Results:
- Degenerative changes were observed in granulosa cells and corpus luteum in diazinon-exposed rats.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed endoplasmic reticulum dilatation and mitochondrial alterations in granulosa cells.
- Diazinon exposure led to decreased antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and increased caspase-3 expression in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose diazinon exposure negatively impacts rat ovarian tissue by impairing the antioxidant system and inducing follicular atresia.
- Diazinon disrupts corpus luteum function and causes cellular damage, highlighting risks to reproductive health.
- Further studies exploring antioxidant therapies are needed to counteract diazinon's adverse reproductive effects.
