Sperm motility in the fishes of pesticide exposed and from polluted rivers of Gomti and Ganga of north India

Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Dec;46(12):3764-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.09.066. Epub 2008 Oct 8.

Abstract

Investigation of lethal dose of gamma-HCH (gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane), DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and chlorpyrifos on spermatozoa motility after 40 days exposure in catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis was done under laboratory conditions. The sperm motility was done in the fishes captured from unpolluted ponds of Gujartal considering as reference site and polluted rivers Gomti and Ganga of north India at pre-spermiating stage. Results indicate that 1ppm of gamma-HCH, DDT and chlorpyrifos was lethal dose on sperm motility. The motility of spermatozoa decreased in insecticide exposed fish as well as in the fishes of polluted rivers when compared with their respective controls. The sperm motility was highest at 1:2000 (testicular milt: extender) dilution and duration of sperm motility was 90s after post-activation. The duration of motility also declined in the fishes captured from polluted rivers when compared with the same species captured from the reference site. It is concluded that the insecticides decrease the sperm motility and its duration in exposed fish as well as in the captured fishes from polluted rivers causing the decline in fish population of riverine systems due to influence of xenobiotics on the endocrine system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Catfishes / physiology*
  • Chlorpyrifos / toxicity
  • DDT / toxicity
  • Hexachlorocyclohexane / toxicity
  • India
  • Male
  • Pesticide Residues / analysis
  • Pesticide Residues / toxicity
  • Pesticides / analysis
  • Pesticides / toxicity*
  • Sperm Motility / drug effects*
  • Water Pollutants / analysis
  • Water Pollutants / toxicity*

Substances

  • Pesticide Residues
  • Pesticides
  • Water Pollutants
  • Hexachlorocyclohexane
  • DDT
  • Chlorpyrifos