Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) treatment on the epididymal spermatozoa, blood serum transaminases and its accumulation in liver of rats

Abstract

Phenoxyacetic acid herbicides constitute one of the largest groups of herbicides used in the world. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of herbicide 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) on some blood parameters and toxicity of the male reproductive system of Sprague Dawley (CD) rats. The level of 2,4-D in the liver and its metabolite: 2,4-DCP was ascertained using the HPLC method and the organ weight of the livers was also determined. Three different concentrations of pesticide were used. The animals were treated orally 25 ppm and 50 pprn with water and 50 ppm and 100 ppm with food for 30 days. No significant difference was found in the blood parameters between the groups. The level of 2,4-D in the liver was found to be significantly higher in both feed and water groups compared to those of the control group (p < 0.01). The level of 2,4-DCP in the liver also increased in all the experimental groups compared to control (p < 0.01) groups, with the exception of the water group which had the lowest concentration. As far as the abnormal spermatozoa rates of rats were concerned, the values of the experimentally fed groups were higher than the control group and the difference between them was statistically significant (p < 0.01).