Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of apoptosis in the first-generation pups’ testicular and ovarian tissue changes following mancozeb (MNZ) administration during intrauterine and lactating periods and also the preventive effect of the co-administration of vitamins E and C on these changes. Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) pregnant mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, vehicle, MNZ, vitamin E plus MNZ, vitamin C plus MNZ and vitamins E and C plus MNZ. Administered doses of MNZ and vitamins E and C were 500, 200 and 100 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. These agents were administered to the animals by oral gavage every 2 days. Vitamin treatment was carried out 30 min prior to MNZ administration. Treatment was started on the second day of gestation and continued until weaning. Separated testes and ovaries of animals were prepared for apoptosis detection by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The percentage of TUNEL-positive cells was reported using the 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole method. As compared to the control and vehicle groups, MNZ induced a significant increase ( p < 0.001) in the number of TUNEL-positive cells. The administration of both vitamins E and C alone and together significantly ( p < 0.001) prevented the apoptotic impacts of MNZ. The preventive effect of the co-administration of these vitamins on the ovary was greater compared to the single administration of vitamins E ( p < 0.001) or C ( p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the results revealed the stronger preventive effect of vitamin C as compared to E on testicular tissue ( p < 0.05). The apoptotic impact of MNZ exposure during intrauterine and lactating periods on first-generation testicular and ovarian tissues was significant. The co-administration of vitamins E and C could prevent MNZ-induced testicular and ovarian changes.