Endocrine disruptive action of cypermethrin in male mice

Administration (intubation) of cypermethrin to adult male mice for 6 and 12 weeks on alternate day in 3 dose levels,1. 38, 2. 76 and 5. 52 mg/kg body weight (bw) corresponding to 1/476, 1/238 and 1/119 of LD50 dose respectively, caused degeneration of germinal epithelium, vacuolization of seminiferous tubules and a significant decrease in i) weight of the body, testes and epididymis, ii) diameter of the seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts and iii) serum levels of testosterone these parameters were restored to control levels, six weeks after cessation of 1. 38 mg/kg bw treatment (both durations) but not after 5. 52 mg/kg bw treatment within the same period. The results reveal for the first time that chronic exposure even to 5. 52 mg/kg bw i. e. up to 1/119 of LD50 induces histopathological alterations and impairment in spermatogenic and steroidogenic activities of the testis which are not reversible within a period of 6 weeks. © 2011 Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science and Springer.