Sexual behavior of male mice exposed to pesticides

Abstract

Pesticides are currently most used for pest control and elimination in agricultural environments. Its indiscriminate use generates residues in the soil, water, air and food, which can cause several health disturbances in short and long term. This study aims to evaluate the effects of daily exposure of Methamidophos, Glyphosate and Mancozebe on the male reproductive system. We used 240Swiss mice, 120 male, 120 adult females, weighing 30g, 60 days old. Animals were randomly assigned to couples for prior sexual experience, following to treatment with pesticides at Anvisa's acceptable daily intake (IDA) dose for 15, 30, and 60 consecutive days with filming sexual behavior at the end of treatment. Glyphosate and mancozeb favored sexual behavior in 30 days of exposure. However, the insecticide metamidophos impaired consummation, performance or sexual performance within 15 days of exposure. This effect may be related to insufficient time to complete copulation, and poor effectiveness of previous sexual experience through sudden exposure to a product with potential endocrine disruption.