Induction of oxidative stress in the epididymis of rats after subchronic exposure to epichlorohydrin

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of epichlorohydrin (ECH) on spermatogenesis and antioxidant system in rats. An increase in the incidence of clinical signs, gross pathology and histopathology findings in the epididymidis, and sperm abnormalities and a decrease in the testicular spermatid counts, epididymal sperm counts, and sperm motility were observed at 30 mg/kg/day. Oxidative stress in the epididymal tissue was detected at > or =3.3 mg/kg/day. The results show that graded doses of ECH elicit depletion of antioxidant defense system and that the adverse effects on male reproductive function in ECH-treated rats may be due to the induction of oxidative stress.