The effects of carbon disulfide on the reproductive system of the male rat

Abstract

Two experimental protocols were employed to determine the effects of carbon disulfide (CS 2) on the reproductive system of the male rat. In the first experiment, adult Long Evans hooded rats were exposed to 0,350 or 600 ppm CS 2 vapor for 10 weeks (5 h/day, 5 days/week). CS 2 exposure caused no change in reproductive organ weights nor in plasma gonadotropin levels. However, animals exposed to 600 ppm CS 2 had slightly lower epididymal sperm counts and significantly reduced plasma testosterone levels. In order to determine if monitoring hormone levels and sperm status in the same male over time might increase the sensitivity of detecting a toxic reaction, the second protocol was employed. Male rats were exposed to 0 or 600 ppm CS 2. After 0, 1, 4, 7 and 10 weeks of exposure, males were observed for mating behavior, and ejaculated sperm count and plasma hormone levels were determined. Animals exposed to 600 ppm CS 2 had significantly shorter times to mount and to ejaculate and decreased ejaculated sperm counts. Plasma gonadotropin levels were similar in both groups while plasma testosterone levels were marginally depressed in CS 2-exposed animals in the early weeks. These data indicate that CS 2 is a toxin of the male reproductive system resulting in abnormal coital behavior and decreased sperm counts. The second experimental protocol proves to be a sensitive method for assessing adverse effects in the male reproductive system.