Toluene is a well known reproductive toxicant in both human and experimental animals. In this study, the effect of toluene exposure on the testis of male rats of different ages (42, 52, and 70 days) was examined to clarify whether toluene toxicity is an age dependent. Toluene (200 mg/kg bw) subcutaneously injected once a day for four weeks was found to decrease serum concentration of testosterone in all treated rats. Further decreases in the total testis proteins, total lipids and nucleic acids, as well as the activities of the testicular enzymes, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were recorded, and found to be more marked in the young animals of 42 days old. On contrary, the study showed increased lipid peroxidation level along with a decline in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testes of different toluene exposed rats, particularly the younger ones. This was confirmed by the morphometric analysis, as evidenced by the severe reduction in the number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperms in the testes of the young (42 days) toluene intoxicated animals compared to the other tested groups (52 and 70 days old). Based on these findings, it could be concluded that toluene-induced testicular toxicity is an age dependent, with the stronger toxicity being achieved among the young immature animals of 42 days old.
Key words: Toluene, Testicular Toxicity, Age Dependant
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