APOPTOTIC, CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATION AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ONE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PHORMONE IN MATURE MALE ALBINO MICE

Polycholerinated dibenzo-p-dioxins PCDD occur as by-products in the manufacture of some organochlorines. PCDD build up primarily in fatty tissues over time (bioaccumulate), so even small exposures may eventually reach dangerous levels. Our study aimed to evaluate the apoptotic, chromosomal aberration and histopathological effects of TCDD in mature mice. PCDD doses (1/ 10, 1/20 and 1/30 LD50 1 mg/kg b.wt, day after day) was administered orally to rats for 4 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment the animals were killed. Administration of PCDD showed apoptosis in the spermatocytes, spermatid and leydig cells in all groups as well as various types of chromosomal aberrations, exposed chromatid deletion, chromosomal duplication (pulverization), haploid number of chromosomes of metaphase and ring chromatid gap. Also, oral administration of PCDD for 4 weeks showed spermatid giant cells, degeneration and necrosis, diffuse cytoplasmic vacuolations of tubular epithelium and nuclear pyknosis with no evidence of spermatogenesis and mild degeneration in the lining epithelia with persistent of Sertoli cells and huge number of spermatozoa in its lumina and congested blood vessel. In addition, significant decrease in quantitative levels of DNA and Ribonucleic acid (RNA) in all PCDD treated animal testes comparing with control. Conclusion; Exposure to PCDD has been shown to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity in experimental animals and when used should be under a great care and attention especially for occupationally exposed human being (children and youth).