author(s)
Shakeel Ahmed Memon, Nasreen Memon, Bhojoo Mal, Shamsuddin Ahmed Shaikh and Mansoor Ali Shah

abstract
The present study was aimed to know the reproductive effects of imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide on the gonads of male rabbits. In this context, a total of 30 male rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, were randomly divided into three groups (ten rabbits per group) as two test groups and one group labeled as a control. 1/10th of LD50 imidacloprid was orally administrated in test group animals for 10 and 20 consecutive days. After treatment a highly significant decrease (P<0.01) in the body weight and (P<0.001) testicular weight was recorded in both test group animals as compared to control. Thereafter, removed testes were fixed for histological examination. Histopathological observations revealed that, the interstitial space as compared to control became widened and number of leydig’s cells decreased. While in 20 days treated animals such toxic effects were more pronounced. These results revealed that exposure of imidacloprid induced testicular damage in rabbits which probably can cause reproductive disorders in animals and these estimating eco toxicological hazards.