THE EFFECTS OF DI- N- BUTYLPHTHALATE ON THE TESTES OF ADULT MALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Mba E. A., Aniagolu M. O.* and Ngwu M. A.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of di-n-butylphthalate on the testes, after oral administration, to adult male albino Wistar rats. Twenty rats, weighing between 146.10g and 301.20g were arranged into groups A,B,C,D, of five rats each, and were fed with graded concentrations, 0 mg/kg, 2,000 mg/kg, 4,000 mg/kg and 6,000 mg/kg body weight of di-n-butylphthalate respectively for thirty days. Estradiol and testosterone levels were assayed as tests of reproductive function. In addition, the cell histology of testes of the rats were also examined. . The toxicant, di-n-butylphthalate, produced significantly low levels (P < 0.05) of estradiol and testosterone in the treated groups. The histological examination of the testes showed normal seminiferous tubules with fewer cells when compared to the control group A. This study indicates that the chemical, di-n- butylphthalate is toxic, and may affect sperm production in male rats at high concentrations.

Keywords: Di-n-butylphthalate, Oestradiol, Testosterone, Testes.