Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Pesticide—induced reproductive dysfunction in Indian fishes

  • Published:
Fish Physiology and Biochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Numerous studies are available reporting the effects of pesticides on reproductive activity in Indian fishes. The majority of these reports deals with histopathological changes in gonads and endocrine glands involved in the regulation of reproduction following treatment with different pesticides. Pesticides are reported to cause degenerative changes in gonads and arrest gametogenic processes either by acting directly on the gonads or by interfering with the secretory activity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal/thyroid axis that regulates various reproductive events. Secretion of hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), gonadotropin, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), testosterone, estrogens, 17,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone and thyroid hormones are in general lowered, leading to cessation of gametogenesis, vitellogenesis, oocyte maturation, ovulation, spermiation, etc. Adverse effects of pesticides have also been demonstrated on fecundity, fertilization, hatching, and postembryonic development. The effects are highly variable and depend on the nature, dose, and mode of application of the pesticides.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Arora N, Kulshrestha SK (1984) Comparison of toxic effects of two pesticides on the testes of a freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Acta Hydrochim Hydrobiol 12:435–441

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya L, Pandey AK (1989) Inhibition of steroidogenesis and pattern of recovery in testes of DDT exposed cichlid—Oreochromis mossambicus. Bangladesh J Zool 17:1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandra S, Ram RN, Singh IJ (2003) Testicular recrudescence and recovery response in common carp, Cyprinus carpio after long-term exposure to carbamate pesticide. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 3:15–36

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra S, Ram RN, Singh IJ (2004) First ovarian maturity and recovery response in common carp, Cyprinus carpio after exposure to carbofuran. J Environ Biol 25:239–249

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chatterjee S, Dutta AB, Ghosh R (1997) Impact of carbofuran in the oocyte maturation of the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 32:426–430

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Choudhury C, Ray AK, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya, Sh (1993) Non lethal concentration of pesticides impair ovarian function in the freshwater perch, Anabas testudineus. Environ Biol Fishes 36:319–324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dhaliwal GS, Singh B (2000) Pesticides in developing countries: Retrospect and prospect In: Pesticides and environment (Board of Editors). Commonwealth Publisher, New Delhi, pp 1–38

  • Dey S, Bhattacharya Sh (1989) Ovarian damage to Channa punctatus after chronic exposure to low concentration of elsan, mercury and ammonia. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 17:247–257

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghosh C, Ray AK, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya Sh (1999) Effect of an organophosphate pesticide in the induced ovulation of maturing air breathing fish Anabas testudineus (Bloch) with hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone fraction from Channa punctatus (Bloch). Poll Res 18:121–127

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghosh P, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya Sh (1990) Impairment of the regulation of gonadal function in Channa punctatus by metacid—50 and carbaryl under laboratory and field condition. Biomed Environ Sci 3:106–112

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghosh TK, Konar SK (1976) Safe disposal of pesticides: a new method of estimation tested on ambithion. Proc Natl Acad Sci India Sect B 46:373–381

    Google Scholar 

  • Greeley MS, Calder DR, Wallace RA (1986) Changes in teleost yolk protein during oocyte maturation: correlation of yolk proteolysis with oocytes hydration. Comp Biochem Physiol 84B:1–11

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haider S, Upadhyaya N (1985) Effect of commercial formulation of four organophosphorous insecticides on the ovaries of a freshwater teleost, Mystus vittatus (Bloch)—A histological and histochemical study. J Environ Sci Health B 20:321–340

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haider S, Upadhyaya N (1986) Effect of commercial formulation of four organophosphorous insecticides on the LH-induced germinal vesicle breakdown in the oocytes of a freshwater teleost, Mystus vittatus (Bloch)—A preliminary in vitro study. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 12:161–165

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Higgs DA, Fagurlund UHM, Eales JG, McBride JR (1982) Application of thyroid and steroid hormones as anabolic agents in fish culture. Comp Biochem Physiol 72B:143–176

    Google Scholar 

  • Inbaraj RM, Haider S (1988) In vitro effect of malathion and endosulfan on the LH-induced oocyte maturation in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.). Water Air Soil Pollut 39:27–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joy KP, Kirubagaran R (1989) An immunocytochemical study on the pituitary gonadotropic and thyrotropic cells in the catfish, Clarias batrachus (L.), after mercury treatment. Biol Struct Morphog 2:67–70

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur K, Dhawan A (1993) Variable sensitivity of Cyprinus carpio’s eggs, larvae and fry to pesticides. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 50:593–597

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kaur K, Toor HS (1977) Toxicity of pesticides to embryonic stages of Cyprinus carpio communis (Linn.). Indian J Exp Biol 15:193–196

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirubagaran R, Joy KP (1990) Changes in brain monoamine levels and monoamine oxidase activity in the catfish, Clarias batrachus (L.), during chronic treatments with mercurials. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 45:88–93

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirubagaran R, Joy KP (1991) Changes in adrenocortical–pituitary activity in the catfish, Clarias batrachus (L.), after mercury treatment. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 22:36–44

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Konar SK (1981) Pollution of water by pesticides and its influence on aquatic ecosystem. Indian Rev Life Sci 1:139–165

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kulshrestha SK, Arora N (1984) Impairments induced by sublethal doses of two pesticides in the ovaries of a freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Toxicol Lett 20:93–98

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar S, Pant SC (1988) Comparative sublethal ovarian pathology of some pesticides in the teleost, Puntius conchonius (Hamilton). Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 41:227–232

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lal B, Singh TP (1987a) Changes in tissue lipid levels in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus associated with the reproductive cycle. Fish Physiol Biochem 3:191–201

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lal B, Singh TP (1987b) The effect of malathion and γ-BHC on the lipid metabolism in relation to reproduction in the tropical teleost, Clarias batrachus. Environ Poll 48:37–47

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lal B, Singh TP (1987c) γ-BHC and cythion—induced alteration in lipid metabolism in a freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus during different reproductive phases of its annual reproductive cycle. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 13:56–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lal B, Singh TP (1987d) Impact of pesticides on lipid metabolism in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus, during the vitellogenic phase of annual reproductive cycle. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 13:13–23

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nagahama Y (1997) 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, a maturation-inducing hormone in fish oocytes: mechanism of synthesis and action. Steroids 62:190–196

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pandey AK, Shukla L (1980) Effect of benzenehexachloride—an insecticide on the testicular histology in Oreochromis mossambicus. Geobios 7:251–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandey AK, Shukla L (1982) Effect of an organophosphorous insecticide malathion on the testicular histophysiology in Sarotherodon mossambicus. Nat Acad Sci Letters 7:141–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawar KR, Katdare M (1983) Effect of sumithion on the ovaries of freshwater fish Garra mullya (Sykes). Curr Sci 16:784–785

    Google Scholar 

  • Peter RE, Chang JP, Nahorniak CS, Omeljaniuk RJ, Sokolowska M, Shih SH, Billard R (1986) Interaction of catecholamines and GnRH in relation to gonadotropin secretion in teleost fish. Rec Prog Hor Res 42:513–548

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ram RN, Sathyanesan AG (1987a) Effect of long term exposure to cythion on the reproduction of the teleost fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Environ Pollut 44:49–60

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ram RN, Sathyanesan AG (1987b) Effect of a mercurial fungicide on the gonadal development of the teleostean fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 11:352–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ram RN, Joy KP (1988) Mercurial induced changes in the hyphothalamo–neurohypophysial complex in relation to reproduction in the teleostean fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 41:329–336

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rastogi H, Kulshrestha SK (1990) Effect of sub-lethal doses of three pesticides on the ovary of a carp minnow Rasbora daniconius. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 45:742–747

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sadhu AR, Mukhopadhyaya PK (1985) Comparative effect of two pesticides malathion and carbofuran on testes of Clarias batrachus (Linn.). J Environ Biol 6:217–222

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saxena PK, Mani K (1985) Quantitative study of testicular recrudescence in the freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus (Bloch) exposed to pesticides. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 34:597–607

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saxena PK, Mani K (1987) Effect of safe concentration of some pesticides on testicular recrudescence in the freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus (Bloch): a morphological study. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 14:56–63

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharmistha C, Lal B, Singh TP (1992) Effect of endosulfan (thiodon) on vitellogenesis and its modulation by different hormones in the vitellogenic Clarias batrachus. Toxicology 75:191–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shukla L, Pandey AK (1984) Effects of three insecticides on the histoarchitechture of pituitary gland in Sarotherodon mossambicus. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 4:201–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Shukla L, Pandey AK (1985) Ovarian recrudescence in a freshwater teleost, Sarotherodon mossambicus in DDT treatment and pattern of recoupment. J Environ Biol 6:195–204

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shukla L, Pandey AK (1986) Effect of endosulfan on the hypothlamo–hypophysial complex and reproductive physiology. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 36:122–131

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shukla L, Srivastava A, Merwani D, Pandey AK (1984) Effect of sublethal malathion on ovarian histophysiology in Sarotherodon mossambicus. Comp Physiol Ecol 27:13–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh H (1989) Interaction of xenobiotics with reproductive endocrine function in a protogynous teleost, Monopterus albus. Mar Environ Res 28:285–289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh H (1993) Effect of malathion on steroidogenesis and sex reversal in Monopterus albus. Mar Environ Res 35:159–164

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh PB, Canario AVM (2004) Reproductive endocrine disruption in the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, in response to the pesticide γ-hexachlorocyclohexane. Ecotoxcol Environ Safety 58:77–83

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh H, Singh TP (1980a) Effect of two pesticides on testicular P32 uptake, gonadotrophic potency, lipid and cholesterol content of testis, liver blood serum during spawning phase in Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Endokrinologie 76:288–296

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh H, Singh TP (1980b) Short term effect of two pesticides on the survival, ovarian P32 uptake and gonadotrophic potency in a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). J Endocrinol 85:193–199

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh H, Singh TP (1981) Effect of parathion and aldrin on survival, ovarian P32 uptake and gonadotrophic potency in a freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Endokrinologie 77:173–178

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh H, Singh TP (1982a) Effect of some pesticides on hypothalamo-hypophyseal-ovarian axis in the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Environ Poll (series A) 27:283–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh H, Singh TP (1982b) Effect of pesticides on fish reproduction. Ichthyologia 15:71–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh S, Singh TP (1987a) Evaluation of toxicity limit and sex hormone production in response to cythion and BHC in the vitellogenic catfish, Clarias batrachus. Environ Res 42:482–488

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh S, Singh TP (1987b) Impact of malathion and hexachlorocyclohexane on plasma profile on three sex hormones during different phases of the reproductive cycle in Clarias batarachus. Pesticide Biochem Physiol 27:301–308

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh PB, Singh TP (1991) Impact of γ-BHC on sex steroid levels and their modulation by ovine luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and Mystus gonadotropin in the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. Aquatic Toxicol 21:93–102

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh TP, Lal B, Yadav AK (1997) Pesticides and fish In: Pesticides, man and biosphere. Edited by Board of Editors. Hindustan Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, pp 197–248

  • Sinha N, Lal B, Singh TP (1991) Pesticides induced changes in circulating thyroid hormones in the fresh water catfish Clarias batrachus. Comp Biochem Physiol 100C:107–110

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha N, Lal B, Singh TP (1992a) Thyroid physiology impairment by malathion in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 24:17–25

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha N, Lal B, Singh TP (1992b) Carbaryl—induced thyroid dysfunction in the freshwater catfish, Clarias batrachus. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 21:240–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh TP, Yadav AK, Lal B, Singh S (1989) Impact of pesticide on fish reproduction: A review. Sci Res J 1:9–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Srivastava AK, Srivastava AK (1994) Effect of chlordecone on gonads of freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. Bull Enviorn Contam Toxicol 53:186–191

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sukumar A, Karpagaganapathy PR (1992) Pesticide-induced atresia in ovary of a freshwater fish, Colisa ialia (Hamilton-Buchanan). Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 48:457–462

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Toor HS, Kaur K (1974) Toxicity of pesticides to the fish, Cyprinus carpio communis. Indian J Exp Biol 12:334–337

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Venugopalan VK, Shashibhushana RP (1979) Pesticides induced impairment in incubation and post embryonic development of planktonic eggs of estuarine fish of Porto Novo (South India) waters. Proc Symp Environ Biol Acad Environ Biol Muzzarfarpur, India, pp. 397–399

  • Yadav AK, Singh TP (1986) Effect of pesticides on circulating thyroid hormone levels in the freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Environ Res 39:136–142

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yadav AK, Singh TP (1987a) Pesticides induced changes in peripheral thyroid hormone levels during the different reproductive phases in Heteropneustes fossilis. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 13:97–103

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yadav AK, Singh TP (1987b) Pesticides induced impairment of thyroid physiology in the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. Environ Pollut 43:29–38

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India

    B. Lal

Authors
  1. B. Lal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. Lal.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lal, B. Pesticide—induced reproductive dysfunction in Indian fishes. Fish Physiol Biochem 33, 455–462 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-007-9171-4

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10695-007-9171-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation