Publication: Histopathology of the male reproductive system induced by the fungicide benomyl
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Date
2000
Authors
Hess, R.A. ; Nakai, M.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
Benomyl is an effective fungicide that has
been in use for many years. This chemical and its
primary metabolite, carbendazim, are microtubule
poisons that are relatively nontoxic to all mammalian
organs, except for the male reproductive system. Its
primary effects, at moderate to low dosages, are on the
testis, where it causes sloughing of germ cells in a stagedependent
manner. Sloughing is caused by the effects of
the chemical on microtubules and intermediate filaments
of the Sertoli cell. These effects spread to dividing germ
cells and also lead to abnormal development of the head
of elongating spermatids. At higher dosages, it causes
occlusion of the efferent ducts, blocking passage of
sperm from the rete testis to epididymis. The mechanism
of occlusion appears to be related to fluid reabsorption,
sperm stasis, followed by leukocyte chemotaxis, sperm
granulomas, fibrosis and often the formation of
abnormal microcanals. The occlusion results in a rapid
swelling of the testis and ultimately seminiferous tubular
atrophy and infertility. In conclusion, studies that reveal
long term testicular atrophy following chronic or
subchronic exposure to a toxicant should be re-examined
for histopathological lesions in the efferent ductules and
head of the epididymis. Lesions in the male track that
cause blockage may induce permanent testicular damage
and a decrease in sperm production.
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