الفهرس 
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Abstract
The present study is an endeavor for profound exploration about the effects of 2 commonly used molluscicides in Egypt ( bayluscide and copper sulfate ) on some reproductive aspects in mature male Albino rats.
For this purpose, 180 mature male Albino rats were maintained under natural environmental temperature ( 23 ± 3oC ), humidity (70 % ± 3 ) and dark-light cycle. Throughout the experimental period, rats were kept under constant hygienic conditions as well as offered food and water ad libitum. Animals were equally divided into 3 groups; the 1st was considered as controls administered distilled water while those of the 2nd and 3rd groups administered distilled water containing 1 / 20 LD50 of either baylucide or copper sulfate every 3 days for 8 successive weeks.
At the end of the 8th week ( O day ), individual blood samples were collected from all groups ( 30 rats / group ) with their the corresponding pituitaries. Sera and pituitaries were used for estimation of levels of GH and ICSH ( by ELIZA ) as well as T ( RIA ). Also, a portion of the serum was used to determine the total antioxidant activity.
Moreover, individual tissue samples of the corresponding testis were obtained and prepared for microscopical examination. Stained tissue sections were used for histopathological studies and observation of spermatogenic stages. Meantime, corresponding individual semen samples were collected by maceration of epididymis and vasa deferentia to be used for semen evaluation. Following 8 weeks ( O day ), administration of both molluscicides was prevented and animals were allowed for normal drug withdrawal for another 8 weeks ( recovery period ) ” one spermatogenic cycle ” and similarly, the aforementioned protocol of sample collection was applied for the 3 comparable groups.
Pituitary and serum GH and ICSH were assayed using the ELIZA procedure while the corresponding serum T level was according RIA.
The results of the present study revealed that administration of either molluscicides induced a serious drastic decline in the levels of the reproductive hormones; an effect which was not reversed after removal of the molluscicide for 8 successive weeks. This disruption upon reproductive hormones was concomitant with a significant deviation of semen parameters represented by a DROP in the individual motility concomitant with an increase in dead sperm percentage as well as total sperm abnormalities. Moreover, stoppage of molluscicides administration along 8 successive weeks ( recovery period ) failed to improve all studied semen parameters.
Evaluation of total antioxidant activity disclosed that application of either bayluscide or copper sulfate resulted in significant reduction in the total antioxidant capacity as compared with the corresponding control values; a finding which persisted after prevention of molluscicides administration along 8 weeks.
After exposure to molluscicides, histopathological findings displayed serious degenerative changes in the spermatogenic cells, azospermia, prominent interstitial oedema and desquamation of the sperms with their coagulation and accumulation in the lumina of the seminiferous tubules with the presence of multinucleated giant cells formation and cellular atypia which may be considered as a precancerous indication associated with later malignancy. In addition, administration of either bayluscide or copper sulfate led to significant decrease in the frequency of the final stage of spermatogenic cycle compared with the corresponding controls. This picture was not improved by stoppage of molluscicides administration.
Thus, under the circumstances of the current study, it could be concluded that prolonged exposure to the studied molluscicides has health hazards upon male reproductive performance which are not improved by removal of molluscicides for one spermatogenic cycle. Therefore, during application of molluscicides, it is recommended to avoid water containing - molluscicides and search for another clean source of water. In addition, this study opens the gate for further studies in other mammals under field application of molluscicides.