Toxic Effects Of 2, 4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on Bovine Spermatozoa Function In-Vitro

Abstract

Pesticides, insecticides and herbicides can damage the male reproductive system in a number of ways. They may cause reproductive toxicity with direct damage to the structure of the cells or as a result of biotransformation into metabolites. They can alter DNA structure. They may also act like hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt the function of the natural endogenous hormones, when doing so they are often called endocrine disrupting chemicals. Herbicide 2, 4Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is globally used in agriculture and has been linked to sperm abnormalities in vivo. However, its effects on ejaculated spermatozoa in vitro have not been characterized. Therefore, the study examined the effects of 2, 4-D on the function of bovine spermatozoa in vitro, including: sperm motility, live-dead ratio, and the membrane integrity. Different doses of 2, 4-D (100 µM, 200 µM, 400 µM, 600 µM) were applied to bovine spermatozoa obtained by retrograde flushing and incubated. The results indicated that 2, 4-D did not affect the viability (live-dead ratio) and membrane integrity of bovine spermatozoa but it dose dependently inhibited the progressive motility and total motility. These results suggest that exposure to 2, 4-D and its accumulation in the seminal plasma might increase the risk of infertility. The findings provide new insights for the understanding of the male reproductive toxicity of 2, 4-D.