Effects of malathion on cellularity and sperm differentiation in testis and epididymis of adult rats Efectos del malatión en la celularidad y diferenciación de espermatozoides en testículo y epidídimo de ratas adultas

Abstract

Malathion is an organophosphorous insecticide, used worldwide for pest and disease control; however, it could also affect the reproductive patterns of several species. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of malathion in the cellularity and sperm differentiation in testis and epididymis of rats. Twenty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a malathion-treated group (n=10, dose of 170 mg/kg via subcutaneous injection for a period of 13 days) and control group (n=10, injected only with normal saline). After treatments, the rats were sacrificed by regulated euthanasia and assessed for sperm count in testis and epididymis and epididymal teratospermia degree. The results showed a significant decrease in body, testicular and epididymal weight in animals treated with malathion. Testicular sperm counts in treated rats exhibited a significant decrease in the number of sperm compared to controls (42.56×106 vs. 95.99×106), as well as in epididymis (77.55×106 vs. 106.54×10