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 endosulfan in vitro employing rat testicular cells in culture, that is Sertoli-germ cell coculture. Cytotoxic changes induced by endosulfan (0, 2, 20, 40, and 80 microM) 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 detachment from the Sertoli cell monolayer in a dose dependent manner. A loss in the viability of detached cells was observed in all treated groups. Substantial leakage of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was observed in the medium after 24 and 48 h endosulfan treatment at concentrations of 20 to 80 microM. The extent of toxicity was greater after 48 h of treatment.