Imidacloprid-Induced Changes in Body Weight and Reproductive Organ Weight in Male Mus musculus (Swiss Albino Mice)

Abstract

Pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill, control or delay the growth of insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted weeds that cause damage to the growth of crops, bushes, woods, and other vegetation that humans use. Imidacloprid (IMI) is a new class of synthetic neonicotinoids pesticide that are used worldwide to control termites, insects, external parasites and agricultural insects. IMI has an unpleasant smell and repellent effect that decreases food intake and leads to loss of body weight in animals. IMI in mammals leads to a reduction in sperm motility, viability, sperm count, and an increased frequency of abnormal sperm forms that ultimately contribute to male infertility. The present study aims to investigate the toxicity of technical grade (98% pure) IMI on body weight and absolute reproductive organ weight in Swiss albino male mice (Mus musculus). Healthy adult male mice weighing 30.0 ± 5.0g were administered with 25mg/kg and 50mg/kg of IMI (LD50 110mg/kg BW) orally using gavage for four weeks (28 days). Body weight and reproductive organ weight were calculated after the completion of doses. IMI-exposed mice, when compared to the control group, resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and reproductive organ weight, with a severe effect at high doses. The decrease in body weight might be associated with reduced food intake as reported in previous studies, indicating its potential reproductive toxicity and therefore its use in the agricultural field must be scientifically regulated to minimise the potential risk to mammalian health.