The Effect of Increasing the Dose of Acetamiprid and Dichlorvos Pesticides on the Reproductive Performance of Laboratory Mice

BACKGROUND: Pesticides are widely used around the world. However, these chemicals are being used more frequently and at increased doses in underdeveloped and developing countries. Although the hazard of pesticides has been studied in ecological fields, the effect of residual amounts of these compounds on the physiological processes of the body has always been debated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 45 greenhouse cucumber plants were sprayed with dichlorvos and acetamiprid pesticides in concentrations of twofold (acetamiprid 500 g/1000 L and dichlorvos 4 L/1000 L) and threefold of the recommended dose. After 24 h, the residual amount was obtained. To evaluate the residual effect of the mentioned pesticides, an equivalent of this residue was added to the drinking water of 105 mice. RESULTS: Pesticide residues were obtained for twofold and threefold concentrations of the recommended dose, 1.5 and 2.5 (mg/kg cucumber) for acetamiprid and 0.5 and 1 (mg/kg cucumber) for dichlorvos, respectively. Application of these chemicals at higher doses not only significantly reduced the body weight, food consumption, testosterone production, testicular germ cells and embryo numbers, but also increased the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in mice. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of biological disorders and reducing reproductive potential in male mice can be attributed to the addition of pesticides to their drinking water. Therefore, to reduce the hazards caused by insecticides, it is recommended to familiarize farmers with the harmful effects of overdose of pesticides and monitoring the residuals in agricultural products.