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65776 
Journal Article 
Effect of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate administration on rat sperm count and on sperm metabolic enzymes 
Siddiqui, A; Srivastava, SP 
1992 
Yes 
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
ISSN: 0007-4861
EISSN: 1432-0800 
Springer-Verlag 
NEW YORK 
NIOSH/00204489 
Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 
48 
1 
115-119 
English 
1581667 
WOS:A1992GV01500018 
The effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (117817) (DEHP) on sperm count and sperm metabolic enzymes were examined in albino-rats. DEHP dissolved in groundnut-oil was administered orally at a dose of 500 or 1000mg/kg/day for 15 days. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose for isolation and analysis of the spermatozoa; activities of lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), sorbitol-dehydrogenase (SDH), and aldose-reductase (ALRD) were determined. There were no deaths or overt signs of toxicity in DEHP exposed rats. Exposure to DEHP did, however, significantly decrease the absolute and relative weight of epididymis at the higher dose. Sperm count was reduced at both dose levels in a dose dependent manner. The activity of LDH was increased significantly, while that of SDH and ALRD was decreased in animals exposed to 1000mg/kg DEHP only. The observed changes in enzyme activity may have caused depletion of fructose reserves, thereby promoting the generation of nonviable and poorly mobile spermatozoa. The authors conclude that DEHP or its metabolites may interfere with the bioenergetics of spermatozoa of rat. Further research is needed to assess the relationship with sperm function. 
DCN-204350; Enzyme activity; Laboratory animals; Toxicology; Toxic effects; Reproductive hazards; Reproductive system; Phthalates; Spermatogenesis; Cell damage