The Oxyfluorfen Exhibits Estrogenic Action Induced Change on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal-Adrenal Axis and Impairment in Fertility in Mice Mus musculus

Background: Oxyfluorfen is one of the herbicides placed in the third category of toxicity used for the control of broad-leaf and grassy weeds. The investigation aims to evaluate the effect of oxyfluorfen on adult male mice. Objectives: In the present investigation studied one of the Herbicides- Oxyfluorfen impact (an endocrine disruptor) on the hypothalamic –pituitary- gonadal-Adrenal axis, infertility and Ache activities in male adult mice. Methods: The treatment group received 350 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg 750mg/kg body weight for 14 days and autopsied on the 15th day of the experiment. The serum was collected and subjected to ELISA using specific antibodies for sex steroids. The testis and adrenal were subjected to histology. The results were reveal that significantly decreased fertility index, serum testosterone level, sperm motility and count with increased morphological abnormalities in sperm and an insignificant increase in estradiol level in males. Histological observations of the testicle revealed degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules, reduced interstitial space and Sertoli cell disruption could signify the impact on fertility. The hypertrophy of adrenal medullary cells and decreased AChE activity indicate neuroendocrine imbalance. Conclusion: The observed results reveal that Oxyfluorfen exhibits estrogenic action, induced changes on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-adrenal axis and impairment in fertility hence may be considered an endocrine disruptor.