The EFFECT OF ATRAZINE ON SPERM MORPHOLOGY, MATURATION, DNA DAMAGE AND SPERM APOPTOSIS, TESTESTRON LEVELS AND MORPHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES IN RAT TESTES

The atrazine is one of the most commonly applied herbicide in the world. The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the detrimental effects of ATR on male reproductive system. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, eighty male rats were used. The rats in control group received 0/2ml corn oil and in experimental groups received 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w of ATR orally on daily. The parameters of body and testis weight, testosterone level, sperm quality including sperm count, motility, viability, DNA damage, nuclear maturation, sperm apoptosis and histological testicular changes were evaluated. Results: In all experimental groups mean plasma testosterone levels were reduced. Also there was a significant decrease in body and testis weight in experimental groups (p<0/05). Sperm viability decreased in experimental groups in a dose-dependent fashion, as well as immature sperms, sperm with DNA damage, apoptotic sperm increased in all experimental groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that ATZ has adverse effects on sperm cells and reproductive system of male rats.