Histopathology of the Testis as a Sensitive Tool to Detect Potentially Adverse effects of Environmental Chemicals on Male Fertility in Japanese Quail

Abstract

Histopathology proved a sensitive tool to detect adverse effects of environmental chemicals on testis morphology and function in Japanese quail even if there was no evidence of reduced fertility. This became apparent in one-generation studies with the fungicides vinclozolin and epoxiconazole in which microscopic findings, such as atrophy or epithelial degeneration, paralleled a reduction in spermatid count whereas testis weight was not altered and reproductive success not compromised at the same dose levels. In a study with methyl testosterone in which fertility was in fact reduced, lower spermatid count was accompanied by a strong decrease in testis weight. Histological examination of the testis and counting of spermatids might be suitable and sensitive methods to elucidate the mechanism if a male-mediated decline in reproductive success is suspected.