Occurrence of Organochlorine Compounds in Follicular Fluid and Their Effect on Steroid Hormones in Follicles of Camels

Farm animals may be exposed to environmental pollutant. Occurrence of organochlorines compounds in follicular fluid and their effects on steroid hormones were studied in camels. Insecticide was determined in follicular fluid collected from 100 camels. About 11 and 12% of camels surveyed have 0.830.03 and 0.250.02 ng mL-1 endosulfan and hepatochlor epoxide, respectively in their follicular fluid. Other organochlorine compounds concentration was below detection limit of the assay. Follicles with detectable hepatochlor and endosulfan have significantly lower concentration of estradiol and testosterone. It is suggested that organochlorine may inhibit the synthesis of follicular steroids.