Reproductive Toxicity of Paraquat in Male Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus)

Aims: This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of paraquat (pesticide) on some reproductive parameters in male guinea pig.

Methodology: Forty adult male guinea pigs averagely weighing 370.31 ± 39.43 g were distributed into 4 groups of 10 animals each, comparable in terms of body weight. During 42 days, each group of guinea pigs received by force-feeding either distilled water (control) or one of the following three doses of paraquat: 1.33, 2, 4 mg/kg of body weight. The effects of this pesticide were evaluted on some reproductive parameters (total cholesterol, libido, serum concentration of testosterone, weight of genital organs and characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa) and oxidative stress makers (testicular levels of MDA, SOD, CAT and GSH).

Results: Results showed that the total cholesterol increased significantly (P<.05) in guinea pigs exposed to paraquat relatively to the control. Animals forced-fed with the pesticide showed a significant (P<.05) decrease in the serum concentration of testosterone and an increase in the reaction time. A significant (P<.05) rise in abnormal spermatozoa as well as a significant (P<.05) drop in sperm mobility (65.00 ± 19.58) and spermatozoa plasma membrane integrity (52.88 ± 8.22) was observed in pesticide-treated animals compared to control. The testicular level of MDA (5.35 ± 1.89) and the activities of SOD (10.13 ± 2.03) and CAT (15.26 ± 4.28) increased significantly (P<.05) in paraquat treated guinea pigs compared to control animals. The reverse was observed concerning the testicular concentration of GSH (126.11 ± 48.94).

Conclusion: Paraquat has been shown to be toxic to male guinea pig, from 2 mg /kg bw through the induction of oxidative stress, thus imparing reproductive parameters.