TY - JOUR
T1 - Effect of polychlorinated biphenyl, Aroclor 1254 on rat epididymis
AU - Anbalagan, J.
AU - Kanagaraj, P.
AU - Srinivasan, N.
AU - Aruldhas, M. M.
AU - Arunakaran, J.
PY - 2003/12
Y1 - 2003/12
N2 - Background & objectives: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), the synthetic chlorinated organic compounds, are known to decrease thyroid function, sperm count and fertility, and increase the risk of testicular cancer may cause serious effect on male reproduction. The objective of the present study was to study the effect of PCB, Aroclor 1254 on rat epididymal structure and function. Methods: Adult male albino rats were treated ip with Aroclor 1254, 200μg/kg body weight for 15 and 30 days. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, total triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The epididymal weight, sperm count, and caudal epididymal sialic acid, glyceryl phosphoryl choline (GPC) were also investigated. Histological studies were done on caput and caudal epididymal regions. Results: Serum testosterone showed no change, but estradiol levels increased in 30 days treated animals, T3 and T4 levels decreased and TSH levels increased in both 15 and 30 days treated animals. Body weight, epididymal weight, sialic acid, GPC and sperm count were decreased only in 30 days Aroclor treated group. Interpretation & conclusion: The results suggested that Aroclor 1254 treatment for 15 and 30 days induced hypothyroidism in rats, but epididymal functions were altered only at 30 days treatment. The adverse effect of Aroclor 1254 (PCB) on epididymis might be due to indirect action through hormonal regulation.
AB - Background & objectives: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), the synthetic chlorinated organic compounds, are known to decrease thyroid function, sperm count and fertility, and increase the risk of testicular cancer may cause serious effect on male reproduction. The objective of the present study was to study the effect of PCB, Aroclor 1254 on rat epididymal structure and function. Methods: Adult male albino rats were treated ip with Aroclor 1254, 200μg/kg body weight for 15 and 30 days. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, total triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The epididymal weight, sperm count, and caudal epididymal sialic acid, glyceryl phosphoryl choline (GPC) were also investigated. Histological studies were done on caput and caudal epididymal regions. Results: Serum testosterone showed no change, but estradiol levels increased in 30 days treated animals, T3 and T4 levels decreased and TSH levels increased in both 15 and 30 days treated animals. Body weight, epididymal weight, sialic acid, GPC and sperm count were decreased only in 30 days Aroclor treated group. Interpretation & conclusion: The results suggested that Aroclor 1254 treatment for 15 and 30 days induced hypothyroidism in rats, but epididymal functions were altered only at 30 days treatment. The adverse effect of Aroclor 1254 (PCB) on epididymis might be due to indirect action through hormonal regulation.
KW - Aroclor 1254
KW - Epididymis
KW - Hypothyroidism
KW - Sperm count
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0842303640&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
C2 - 14870796
AN - SCOPUS:0842303640
SN - 0971-5916
VL - 118
SP - 236
EP - 242
JO - Indian Journal of Medical Research
JF - Indian Journal of Medical Research
IS - DEC.
ER -