Cytological and Biochemical Impact of Arsenic Exposure on the Endocrine System and Oestrous Cycle of Female Rats

Abstract

Background: Rising concentration of arsenic in drinking water is severely damaging the reproductive health of both humans and animals. This study was thus designed to evaluate the deleterious effects of sodium arsenite at a minimum dose on the endocrine system and oestrus cycle of female Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan, Regional Centre, Islamabad. Sixty healthy female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into group 1 (control) and group 2 (experimental) with 30 rats in each group. After one week of acclimatization, the control group was administered 10 ml of distilled water daily via oral gavage, and the experimental group was administered 4 μg of sodium arsenite dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water daily via oral gavage. After one week of habituation, vaginal smears were taken daily to study the oestrus cycle. Whereas, serum oestrogen and progesterone levels were assessed using ELISA after 14 days of intervention. Biochemical parameters (oestrogen and progesterone) were analyzed on SPSS-22. Comparison of means of these hormones was evaluated by the Student’s t-test. Results: After exposure to sodium arsenite, the oestrus cycle of the experimental group was prolonged and halted in the diestrus phase along with significant reduction of serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Conclusion: Low dose of arsenic delays and disturbs regulation of oestrus cycle and disrupts the hormonal levels in female rats.