MEENUDDIN, Hafzah; DUTTA, Hiran; Kent State University, Kent; Kent State University, Kent: Effects of Endosulfan on Testes of Bluegill Fish

The effects of the organochloride compound, endosulfan, on the testes of bluegill (Lepomis macrohirus) were studied. Histopathological analysis of testicular tissue was made after 24 hours of exposure to 0.25 ?g/L, 0.50 ?g/L, 0.75 ?g/L, and 1.0 ?g/L of endosulfan. Testes from the control fish revealed normal histological structure of seminiferous tubules with thick lumen walls and spermatozoa in various stages of development. Upon exposure to 0.25 ?g/L, macrophages were present in small clusters. Leydig cells and Sertoli cells were abundant. Spermatids were few, and seminiferous tubules appeared dilated. Upon exposure to 0.50 ?g/L, the number of macrophages was increased. Leydig cells were found in large clusters. Few Sertoli cells were found in the peripheral area of testes. Spermatozoa appeared to be missing flagella. Dilation of seminiferous lumen became more apparent. Upon exposure to 0.75 ?g/L, a large number of Leydig cells and few Sertoli cells were found in the interstitial wall. Spermatids appeared small and abundant. A large number of macrophage cells were found. Endothelial lining of the arteries was lost. Upon exposure to 1.0 ?g/L, connective tissue between the seminiferous tubules was damaged and frayed. No Sertoli cells were observed. Leydig cells were present in interstitial tissue and sporadically found in the lumen. Spermatids and a few spermatozoa were visible. No blood vessels were observed in the testes tissue, and the lumen appeared fully dilated. This study revealed that testicular tissue of the bluegill fish was affected by endosulfan. There was significant change in the diameter of germ cells and spermatozoa. Both spermatozoa and germ cells are essential for reproduction. Damage to testes including male gamete cells may hinder population growth of blue gill fish.