Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effects of fenvalerate on reproductive system of male offspring rats after maternal exposure in gestation. Methods Twenty pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into three treated groups (treated with 2,10, and 50 mg/kg fenvalerate respectively on day 12 to 18 of gestation by means of intragastric injection) and control group (treated with corn oil). Male offspring rats were sacrificed on postnatal day 35, and the levels of serum testosterone (T) and testis homogenate T were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Meanwhile, the activities of enzymes in testis such as acid phosphatases (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) were examined by colorimetry. Results Compared with control group, the activity of LDH was restrained in 50 mg/kg group (P<0.05), and those of γ-GT were increased in 2 mg/kg group and 10 mg/kg group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the activities of ACP and AKP between control group and treated groups (P＞0.05). The levels of serum T and testis homogenate T were increased with different doses dependently, while there was no significant difference between control group and treated groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion Exposure of fenvalerate in gestation has some influence on the reproductive system of male offspring rats, and can significantly affect the activities of enzymes in testis.

Key words: fenvalerate, gestation, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, testosterone