Influence of diazinon on spermatogenesis in mice

Introduction: Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate that inhibits of acetylcolinesterase activity by phosphorylating of active site, in which could be resulted in damages of germinal cells and reproductive functions. Since this compound is extensively using in the agriculture, especially in the northern regions of Iran in order to control of pests, the present study was performed to investigate the influence of DZN on spermatogenesis in mice. Materials and Methods: Male mice were divided into three experimental, sham and control groups. The animals in the experimental group were injected with the consecutive doses of DZN (30mg/kg i.p, five consecutive days per week for one month). The sham mice were received only water injection and no injection was performed on animals in the control group. Animals were scarified 35 days after the latest injection of DZN. Then, the mice testis sections were prepared and morphologic aspects of testis and spermatogenesis processes assessed. Results: The DZN showed a significant decrease in number of germ cells, spermatocytes, spermatids, Leydig cells, blood vessels. In addition, the diameter of seminiferous in the testis of the mice decreased. Conclusion: The current finding showed that Diazinon is an environmental factor that can cause toxic effects on the morphologic parameters of germ cells. These results suggested that the DZN might be a factor that results in infertility in mice.