Background: The Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) is the most serious vertebrate pest in Egypt, causing significant economic losses to cultivated crops and stored foodstuffs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential anti-fertility effects of alpha-chlorohydrin (ACH) and exogenous testosterone on this pest.
Methods: Rats were orally administered ACH at a dose of 70 mg/kg for 5 days and exogenous testosterone at 25 mg/kg three times a week for 3 weeks. The anti-fertility effects of both agents were assessed after 24 hours of exposure.
Results: The findings revealed that both ACH and exogenous testosterone significantly reduced the serum ATPase, Esterase, and G3PDH activities, hormonal fertility, testosterone levels, and LH and FSH levels. Also, the agents caused slight increases in ASAT, ALAT, GGT, ALP activities, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. There was a noticeable decline in the oxidative functions of the testis and epididymis; with CAT, SOD, and GSH levels in these organs being dramatically inhibited, while the levels of MDA and NO increased. Further, both agents led to a decrease in the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm count and motility, and induced histological changes in the epididymis and testis. Moreover, there was a reduction in the expression of immunohistochemical markers of androgen receptor proteins and Wilms’ tumor nuclear protein-1 in both testicular and epididymal tissues.
Conclusion: The results indicate that ACH and testosterone induce infertility in male Nile rats. Therefore, the use of ACH and testosterone is recommended for integrated rodent control and management.