effect of some pesticides on the development of the testis of the pre-and postnatal albino rats

pesticides are double edged weapons. they are considered tobe the unavoidable heavy cost of cevilization. This research was doneto spot light on the normal development of the testis pre-and post-natally and compare it with that under the effect of malathion pes-ticide.252 rats were used at di fferent ages. They were classified into9 groups; 8 of which to cover all stages of testicular development,while male fertility was tested in the 9th group. Each group wasdividerl into a control and an experimental subgroups. The experimentalsubgroups were subjected to different diluted doses of 57% malathion(J /l 0, 1/20 and 1/30 of LD50). Rats were weighed at the start andat the end of the experiment. Group 1 supplied control and treatedfoeti at different ages till control and treated newlyborns obtained.In Group 2, 3, 4, & 5 postnatal rats were treated with 1/30 LD50 ofmalathion orally for different periods. In group 6 pubertal rats weregiven orally 1/30 LD50 malathion every other day for 50 - 90 days.In group 7 and 8, postpubertal rats were given orally (I/IO and 1/20LD50” of malathion) every other day for 60 - 90 days. in the lastgroupj9j the ability of the treated adult males to impregnate females,was tested. Morbidity and mortality were recorded in all groups.