Effect of the fungal toxin (zearalenone) on the reproductive system and fertility of male and female rats.

The fertility-inhibiting effects of long-term (8 weeks) consumption of maize infected with a fungus producing F2 toxin (zearalenone) was studied in adult male and female albino rats. The fertility rate was further decreased by 25-30% if the animals were kept on contaminated diet up to 14 weeks. The gonadal weight was decreased, follicular maturation and spermatogenesis were disturbed.