LACK OF ESTROGENIC EFFECTS OF ENDOSULFAN - AN ORGANOCHLORINE INSECTICIDE IN RAT

Administration of endosulfan (1.5 mg/kg/day) to ovariectomized rats for 30 days did not produce changes in relative weights and glycogen content. The microscopic changes indicated infantile and undeveloped uterus, cervix and vagina. The changes were found comparable to ovariectomized rats. Treatment of estradiol dipropionate a known strogen alone and along with endosulfan did cause a significant increase in relative weight and glycogen content in reproductive tissues. Histologically these organs were well developed, stimulated and appeared normal. The study suggest lack of estrogenic effect of endosulfan in rats.