GR Najafi [1] , DVSc S Salami [2] , Ph.D A Karimi [3] , MSc

  Received: 10 June, 2009 Accepted: 1 Sep, 2009

 Abstract

  Backgrounds & Aims : Diazinon as nonsystemic organophosphate insecticide is commonly used as an agent to protect fruits and vegetables. This study sought to investigate the effects of Diazinon on histological structure of the testis and fertility of the rats.

  Materials & Methods: Thirty five male adult rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and test. 70 mg Diazinon/kg body weight were administrated orally, once a day for 60 days. Seven micrometer tissues -thick sections of formalin fixed paraffin embedded testis- were stained using method of Weigret-Iron. Diameter of seminiferous tubules, thickness of the seminiferous epithelium, and thickness of the capsule of testis were measured .

  Result: Irregular shape and atrophy in seminifrous tubules were noted in treated rats between the 10th to 60th days. Disjunction and remarkable edema in interstitial connective tissue were also observed in seminiferous tubules and germinal epithelium cells. Diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of seminiferous epithelium were significantly decreased. Giant cell was evident in some of the seminiferous tubules by the 24th day of the study.

  Conclusion: The data suggest that diazinon can cause considerable atrophy in histological structure of the testis thus, morphological changes can lead to functional deficiency in males.

  Keywords: Diazinon, Testicular tissue, Edema, Histology

  Address: College of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Nazlou Road, Urmia, Iran

  Tel : (+98 441) 2779552

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  Email: g.najafi2006@yahoo.com

  [1] Assistant Professor of Basic Science Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran (Corresponding Author)

  [2] Assistant Professor of Clinical Biochemistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

  [3] Master in Biochemistry, Payam Noor University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran