Authors : P. Ravi Kumar, M. Kanniappan, L.N. Mathuram, S. Selvasubramanian, B. Murali Manohar and P. Sriram
Abstract: Hexaconazole is a triazole fungicide extensively used in agricultural and horticultural practices. The fungicidal action of triazoles is mainly attributed to their ability to inhibit cytochrome P450 dependent enzyme lanosterol 14 α-demethylase. Lanosterol 14 α-demethylase is necessary for the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol which is an essential component of fungal cell membrane. Cytochromes P450 are ubiquitous heme containing proteins that are found through out the plant and animal kingdom and play a crucial role in the synthesis of steroidal hormones in mammals. Any interference in the synthesis of sex steroidal hormones will obviously affect the reproductive performance. Thus, hexaconazole was studied for its effect on histological architecture of male and female reproductive system in Wistar rats. Male rats were administered hexaconazole per os daily at 0.0, 27.5, 55.0 and 110.0 my kg-1 body weight for 30 and 60 days. Female rats were also given hexaconazole at the same dose level but for 30 and 73 days.
P. Ravi Kumar, M. Kanniappan, L.N. Mathuram, S. Selvasubramanian, B. Murali Manohar and P. Sriram, 2011. Hexaconazole Induced Changes in the Histological Architecture of Male and Female Reproductive Systems in Rats. Research Journal of Pharmacology, 5: 9-13.