Author/Authors :
Solati، Jalal نويسنده Biology Department, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran , , Hajikhani، Ramin نويسنده Biology Department, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran , , Toodeh Zaeim، Roohollah نويسنده Biology Department, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran ,
Abstract :
Background: Pyrethroids are commonly used as insecticides for both household and agricultural
applications, and have recently been linked to endocrine disruption. Cypermethrin is a type ?
pyrethroid which is used widely throughout the world. The present study was aimed to investigate
the effects of cypermethrin on the sexual behaviour and plasma level of pituitary-gonadal hormones
of adult male mice.
Materials and Methods: Research methodology comprised injecting mice daily with cypermethrin
(10, 15, 20 mg/kg i.p.) or DMSO (0.2 ml) for five weeks. Receptive female mice were used to
test male sexual behaviors (sniffing, following, mounting, and coupling). Plasma concentrations
of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) were measured
after five weeks treatment using the ELISA method.
Results: The results of the present study showed that cypermethrin-treated groups exhibited reduced
sexual behavior when compared with the control group. Assay results demonstrate significantly
reduced serum testosterone levels (p < 0.05) versus the control group, whereas FSH and LH values
increased significantly.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cypermethrin reduces plasma testosterone concentrations
and thus is able to disrupt sexual behaviours.
