Reproductive toxicity of acetamiprid in male Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

The neonicotinoid insecticides including acetamiprid are widely used in pest-control programs due to their high efficacy and low cost. This study aimed to investigate the impact of acetamiprid on reproductive parameters as well as its ability to generate oxidative stress in male guinea pig. Twenty-four adult male guinea pigs received oral administration of distilled water (control) and 3 different doses (26.67, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight) of acetamiprid during 90 days. The effects of treatments were studied on some reproductive toxicity parameters and oxidative stress makers. Results showed that the administration of acetamiprid led to a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the testosterone concentration, reproductive organs weights, sperm count, sperm mobility, plasma membrane integrity, reaction time and a significant (P<0.05) increase of abnormal spermatozoa. Malondialdehyde and catalase activities increased significantly (P<0.05) in animals receiving acetamiprid. Reduced glutathione decreased significantly (P<0.05) in acetamiprid-treated animals while superoxide dismutase activity showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher value in animals receiving the highest dose of insecticide with reference to the control group. Moreover, acetamiprid-treated animals showed the presence of some immature germinal cells in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules compared to the control. In conclusion, results obtained in the current study revealed that acetamiprid caused perturbations on male reproductive system and induced oxidative stress.