Effect of fenvalerate on sperm and sex hormone levels of male rats

Objectives:To evaluate the effect of fenvalerate(Fen) on sperm counts,sperm motility and sex hormone levels of male rats.Methods:Different doses of Fen(0,20,40 mg/kg) were administered orally to the adult male SD rats for 15 days or 30 days,respectively.The sperm counts and sperm motility were evaluated,and the levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),estradiol(E2) and testis homogenate T and E2 were determined by radioimmunoassay and chemiluminescent immunoassay.Results:Compared to those in the control(Fen 0 mg/kg group),the sperm counts markedly decreased in the rats exposed to Fen of 40 mg/kg for 15 days(P0.01).In addition,T levels in testis homogenates markedly decreased in the rats exposed to 20 and 40 mg/kg groups for 15 days(P0.01 and P0.05,respectively).Serum levels of LH and FSH increased with the doses of Fen increased,with a significant dose-dependent increase in FSH levels(P0.05).After thirty days of exposure,the sperm counts showed no significant differences among three groups,but the grade(a+b) sperm in 40 mg/kg group decreased significantly(P0.05).LH and FSH levels in serum also increased with the doses of Fen increased,but not significantly(P0.05).Conclusion:Fen has obvious reproductive toxicity on male rats,and can alter sex hormone levels in serum and testis homogenate.