Chlorpyrifos Impairs the Male Reproductive Functions through Inhibition of Sperm Count and Motility in Descended Testis Rats

Chlorpyrifos, a widely used organophosphate pesticide, is known for its adverse environmental and health impacts, including potential reproductive toxicity.This study examines the impact of chlorpyrifos exposure on testicular function in descended testes rats.Two graded doses (5.4 mg/k.g.bw/d and 8.1 mg /k.g.bw/d) of CPF were orally administered to descended (DT) male charles foster rats for 30 days to examine toxic effect in body weight, testis weight, histopathology of testis, biochemical alterations, sperm dynamics and reproductive hormone levels (LH, FSH and testosterone).A significant reduction of body weight and testicular weight were observed dose dependently in CPF exposed groups of rats.Sperm count, viability, reproductive hormone levels (LH, FSH and testosterone) were significantly reduced in CPF treated groups of rats compared to control rats.A significant reduction of sperm motility was also observed in CPF exposed groups.Histopathological observations showed mild to severe degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubule in the all-tests groups.Moreover, a significant reduction of sialic acid and testicular glycogen were observed, whereas the cholesterol and protein levels were increased at significant levels.These findings suggest that chlorpyrifos exposure significantly impairs testicular functions by decreasing the sperm count and reducing the motility and viability of sperms in descended testis rat.