Cytotoxic effect of endosulfan on rat Sertoli-germ cell coculture

Endosulfan induced testicular impairment has been reported in vivo in rats. The present study was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of endos ulfan in vitro employing rat testicular cells in culture, that is Sertoli-g erm cell coculture. Cytotoxic changes induced by endosulfan (0, 2, 20, 40, and 80 mu M) in mixed cultures of Sertoli and germ cells were seen after 24 and 48 h of treatment. Endosulfan led to an increase in germ cell detachme nt from the Sertoli cell monolayer in a dose dependent manner. A loss in th e viability of detached cells was observed in all treated groups. Substanti al leakage of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was observed in th e medium after 24 and 48 h endosulfan treatment at concentrations of 20 to 80 mu M. The extent of toxicity was greater after 48 h of treatment. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.