Detection of germ cell genotoxic potential of carbon disulphide using sperm head shape abnormality test.

1. Adult male albino rats (CF Strain) were administered i.p. CS2 dissolved in cotton seed oil at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b. wt. for a period of 60 days. Effect of CS2 on epididymis, adrenal weight, sperm count and sperm head shape abnormality was studied. 2. Epididymal weight remained unaltered in 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg CS2 treated groups, whereas in highest dose of CS2 treated (200 mg/kg) group a non-significant reduction in epididymis weight was observed. A slight increase in adrenal weight was observed in lower doses groups (25 and 50 mg/kg) while a considerable decrease in adrenal weight was noted in highest dose (200 mg/kg) of CS2 treated group in the present study. 3. An increase in sperm head shape abnormality and decrease in sperm count was observed in all the CS2 treated groups. However, the changes were statistically significant only after higher dose of CS2 treatment as compared to control. 4. This study suggests that CS2 may have the potential to induce adverse effects on male reproductive system of rats. Sperm head shape abnormality assay used in this study also elicits germ cell genotoxic potential of carbon disulphide.