Transmission Electron Microscopic Study of Endosulfan Induced Architecture of Spermatozoa in Mice

Endosulfan is a pesticide of organochlorine group. The lipophilic nature of endosulfan suggests that endosulfan initially accumulates in fatty tissues and that relatively high amounts can be found in the liver and kidneys after exposure. In the present investigation spermatozoa architecture after endosulfan treatment in mice have been evaluated. Hence, the dose of 3 mg/Kg b.w of Endosulfan was continuously administered to male mice for 35 days. The mice were sacrificed on 35th day to observe the architecture of spermatozoa through Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Electron micrograph of spermatozoa of 3mg/kg Endosulfan treated for 35 days showed degeneration in apical acrosome region with degenerative changes in plasma membrane and nuclear membrane of head region of spermatozoa. The degeneration were also observed in 9+2 arrangement of microtubule and mitochondrial sheath of mid piece of spermatozoa while principal piece showed without plasma membrane which denotes complete degeneration of plasma membrane. Outer dense fibers were fused with microtubules. The divergent arms were degenerated and not visible clearly. Thus marked degenerative changes were observed in the architecture of spermatozoa (Head Piece, Mid Piece & Principal Piece) after exposure of endosulfan.