Influence of lacquer thinner and some organic solvents on reproductive and accessory reproductive organs in the male rat.

The effects of thinner and its main components, toluene, xylene, methanol, and ethyl acetate, on reproductive and accessory reproductive organs in male rats were studied. The vapour from these organic solvents was inhaled twice a day for 7 d. Following inhalation of thinner vapour for 7 d, the weights of the testes and prostate fell and acid phosphatase activity in the prostate and plasma testosterone levels were significantly decreased compared with the control group. Both ethyl acetate and xylene caused a decrease in the weight of the testes and accessory reproductive organs, as well as reducing acid phosphatase activity in the prostate and plasma testosterone levels. In contrast, toluene and methanol had no effect on organ weights, circulating testosterone levels, or on enzyme activity. Body weight was decreased by inhalation of thinner or ethyl acetate vapour. Spermatozoa levels in the epididymis were decreased by inhalation of ethyl acetate and xylene vapour. These results suggest that thinner, particularly the components ethyl acetate and xylene, interfere with the functions of the testes and accessory reproductive organ; toluene has no effect on these functions.