Aim: To find out the toxic effect of endosulfan on the testicular function of pubertal rats. Methods: Male rats of pubertal age were orally administered endosulfan at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate were removed and weighed. A 10% testicular homogenate was prepared for biochemical estimations. Results: In endosulfan-treated rats, there were a reduction in the body weight and the weights of testis and accessory sex organs, a decrease in the testicular lactate and pyruvate activities, and in the testicular DNA and RNA concentrations, whereas the testicular protein concentration was slightly increased; the specific activity of testicular steroidogenic enzyme, 3-OH-steroid dehydrogenase and the ascorbic acid level were decreased, which were correlated with a decrease in steroidogenesis. The lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase and brush-order enzyme alkaline phosphatase activities were also decreased in the testis of treated rats. Conclusion: In pubertal rats, endosulfan treatment inhibits the testicular functions.

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