Maternal atrazine exposure during pregnancy and lactation on their offspring semen parameter and protective effect of crocin in Balb/C mouse

Background: Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicide in the world. It passes through the placenta. In other hand, crocin as carotenoid is extracted from saffron. It has antioxidant effects. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of atrazine on semen parameters and protective effect of crocin on atrazine-induced alteration in Balb/C mouse offspring.Methods: A number of 20 pregnant Balb/C mice were randomly divided in to 4 groups: 1- Atrazine: were received 10mg/kg Atrazine. 2- Atrazine- Crocin: were received 10mg/kg Atrazine and 10mg/kg crocin. 3- Crocin: were 10mg/kg crocin. 4- sham-control: were received normal saline. All the administrations were done via gavage from 6th day of pregnancy until to postnatal day 23. At the end, one male pup from each mother was randomly selected and removed their testis and epididymis. The weight and volume of testis were measured and then epididymis was cut in to small pieces and dunked to normal saline for sperm collection. Next, by using Neubauer chamber the number and morphology of the sperms were evaluated. Finally, weight and volume of testis and semen parameters were compared in all groups by means of SPSS statistical software.Result: The results showed that the number of sperm was decreased in atrazine group comparing to other groups significantly (pConclusion: Maternal atrazine exposure during pregnancy and lactation may affect the semen parameter including number and morphology of sperm in their offspring.

کلیدواژه ها:

Crocin ، Semen parameter ، Sperm ، Atrazine