The present study is a trial to investigate the toxic effects of the bio-pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on male reproductive system of rats. Rats received dietary doses each approximately equivalent to 1/10 or 1/100 of the LD50 value of the Bt bio-pesticide (Agerin) for 90 consecutive days. Sex organs weight, semen picture, concentrations of the hormones [i.e., testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)], and histopathological changes in testes were the criteria used to evaluate the reproductive toxicity on the treated rats. Btat the higher dose caused a significant decrease in the weight of testes and seminal vesicles as compared with control. Both Bt doses decreased sperm count associated with an increase in the morphologically abnormal spermatozoa; however sperm motility was significantly decreased in treated rats with the higher dose only. The concentration of serum testosterone was significantly reduced in both treated groups; however LH and FSH levels were significantly reduced in treated rats with the higher dose. Histopathological examination of Agerin-treated male rat's testes revealed that both Bt doses caused testicular degeneration in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, Agerin may decreases fertility in adult male rats by affecting the concentrations of pituitary gonadotrophins, testosterone and thus subsequent spermatogenic impairment
(2009). REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BIO-PESTICIDE IN MALE ALBINO RATS. Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 17(1), 217-225. doi: 10.21608/ajs.2009.14886
MLA
. "REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BIO-PESTICIDE IN MALE ALBINO RATS". Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 17, 1, 2009, 217-225. doi: 10.21608/ajs.2009.14886
HARVARD
(2009). 'REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BIO-PESTICIDE IN MALE ALBINO RATS', Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 17(1), pp. 217-225. doi: 10.21608/ajs.2009.14886
VANCOUVER
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BIO-PESTICIDE IN MALE ALBINO RATS. Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009; 17(1): 217-225. doi: 10.21608/ajs.2009.14886