Endocrine-disrupting and cytotoxic potential of anticholinesterase insecticide, diazinon in reproductive toxicity of male mice

We evaluated the effects of diazinon (2, 4.1 and 8.2 mg/kg bw/day for 4 weeks) in gonadotropins, testosterone and estrogen levels, whether the regulatory interactions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis are modified by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and histopathological changes in adult mice testes. Diazinon at doses higher than 2 mg/kg bw/day resulted in decreased testis weight, inhibition in acetylcholinesterase activities, decrease in levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, following reduction in mating and fertility indices. Diazinon increased testosterone content in 4.1 mg/kg group, but decreased testosterone concentration in 8.2 mg/kg group. Diazinon increased estrogen, prolactine and decreased levels of acetylcholinesterase activities in 4.1 mg/kg group but levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone remained unmodified. It may be simply postulated a scenario that acetylcholine in the cholinergic neurons has a potential threshold to perform a crucial part in the complex circuitry of neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms. On overaccumulation, other neurotransmitters can be appropriately recruited to modulate the mechanisms of circuitry. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.