CADMIUM AND DIAZINON-INDUCED CHANGES IN THE RAT TESTIS STRUCTURE AFTER A PERORAL ADMINISTRATION IN DRIKING WATER

The present study was carried out to elucidate the effects of heavy metal cadmium (Cd) and a nonselective organophosphorus insecticide diazinon (DZN) administration on the testis structures in adult male rats in subchronic toxicity experiments. A total of 40 Wistar 4 weeks old rats were randomized into 4 groups of 10 animals each and dosed with cadmium (Cd) 30 mg/l (group A), diazinon (DZN) 40 mg/l (group B), and in combination of Cd and DZN (30 and 40 mg/l, respectively, group C) per os in drinking water for 90 days. Testicular histology using a light microscopy and morphometry using PC morphometric software M.I.S. Quick Photo were evaluated. The morphometric data supported histological observations at tubular and interstitial level. Reduced seminiferous epithelium (P<0.001) in Cd group showed desquamation of germ cells, cellular degeneration and necrosis. Increase in epithelial vacuoles and dilated blood vessels relative volume (P<0.001) were observed in all experimental groups. Cd and DZN and their combination exerted changes in the reproductive parameters which could be subsequently negatively related to male fertility. These data provide a novel insight into the reproductive toxicology of Cd-DZN in male rats. However, results did not indicate synergistic or additional effect of simultaneous administration of both toxicants.