RESUMEN
Chitosan nanoparticles conjugated with 17α-methyltestosterone (CSâ¯+â¯MT) were used for studying their effect on the testicular development of Clarias batrachus during different reproductive phases. The size of chitosan nanoparticles was 127.2â¯nm and the nano-conjugated 17α methyltestosterone (17α-MT) was 196.1â¯nm (20â¯mg/100â¯ml of chitosan). Single injections of CSâ¯+â¯MT at different doses such as 0.01, 0.1 and 0.5⯵g/g body weight were administered to adults during the pre-spawning, spawning and post-spawning phase. Nano-conjugated steroid was effective at the lower dose; showing an increase in the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and 11-ketotestosterone level compared to the control group. Histological observations confirmed the dose-dependent advancement in spermatogenesis. These findings indicate the possibility of using CSâ¯+â¯MT for enhancing gonadal maturity of C. batrachus.