This study was conducted to investigate the influence of lindane
on spermatogenesis and testicular biochemical parameters and
to get insight into its mechanism. Adult male albino rats were
treated orally with lindane at doses of 0, 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg/day for
30 consecutive days. Testes weight and sperm count and motility
were significantly decreased. Testicular activities of 3β-HSD,
17β-HSD were significantly inhibited. Testicular cholesterol level
was significantly increased while glycogen and sialic acid content
were significantly decreased. Testicular activities of LDH-X, γ-GT,
β-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase (ACP) were significantly
decreased. Aldo-ketoreductase activity was significantly decreased in
response to 2 or 4 mg/kg/day of lindane while, protein carbonyl contents
were significantly increased. Hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical
generation and LPO were significantly increased. The enzymatic
antioxidants SOD, CAT and GPx and the non-enzymatic antioxidants
GSH and Vit C were significantly decreased. Lindane at doses 2 and 4
mg/kg/day showed a significant reduction in Vit E, while at a dose of 1
mg/kg/day did not show any significant change. In conclusion, lindane
inhibits spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and suppresses Sertoli
cell marker enzymes which may be due, partly, to oxidative stress.
Lindane enhances ROS generation and LPO and depletes antioxidant
enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants.