The effects of mancozeb on the integrity of blood- testis barrier and expression of associated genes

The current study was designed to understand the destructive effects of mancozeb on BTB in an in vitro model. Material and Methods: Male mice were gavage- administered MZB (250, 500 mg/kg w. w) for 40 consecutive days. Integrity of BTB was evaluated using Evans blue dye. The relative mRNA expression of BTB- associated genes; including N- cadherin, claudin-11 and zonula occludens-1 was investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in different groups (qRT-PCR). Concentration of Evans Blue dye in the lumen of seminiferous tubules was increased in mancozeb-treated animals. The mRNA expression levels of N-cadherin, claudin-11 and zonula occludens-1 genes were decreased significantly in the MZB 500 mg/kg group compared with the control group. According to the obtained data, it could be concluded that mancozeb increase BTB permeability leading to testicular dysfunction by the alteration of BTB-associated genes.