Effect of dermal application of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) on male reproductive system of rat

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Abstract
1 The toxic manifestations of dermally applied hexa chlorocyclohexane (50 mg or 100 mg kg-1 body weight day -1, 5 days in a week for 120 days) on testes and sperm of rat have been investigated. 2 The results indicate that exposure of HCH through the dermal route could lead to an alteration in the activities of marker testicular enzymes viz. sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), glucose-6-P-dehydrogenase (G6PDH), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) and β-glucuronidase (βGluc.) associ ated with specific cell types. 3 Significant quantities of HCH and its isomers accumu lated in testes as well as sperm of treated rats. 4 HCH exposure also led to a decrease in serum testos terone levels, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility and an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm. 5 These observations indicate the possibility of adverse effects of HCH on the male reproductive functions of men exposed dermally to this pesticide in industry or during spraying in the field.