World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

THE ORGANOPHOSPHATE – PIRIMIPHOS-METHYL ALTERS ESTROUS CYCLE AND HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS IN FEMALE SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS

Bolanle O. Iranloye and Tolulope O. Oyesola*

ABSTRACT

Aim: Pirimiphos methyl is an organophosphate (OP) which has widespread agricultural and domestic use against pests of stored grain and various insects. Apart from their intended effects, pesticides have been linked with adverse effects on the environment and non-target organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exposure of sublethal doses of pirimiphos methyl (PM) on estrous cycle and hormonal changes in female rats. Methods: Cycling rats were divided into 4 groups. Group A received distilled water (control), groups B-D received PM at a dose of 10mg/kg, 60mg/kg and 120mg/kg respectively for 21days. The pattern of estrous cycle during the administration was studied. Blood samples collected at the various phases of estrous cycle were assayed using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) techniques. The fimbriated part of the oviduct was dissected out from the rats in estrus, suspended in normal saline and placed on a microscope slide with a cover slip to count the number of ova in the oviduct under a dissecting microscope. Results: Rats treated with PM exhibited an extended estrous cycle with a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the proestrus and estrus and a significant increase in metestrus phases of the cycle. There was a disruption in the level of secretion of LH, FSH, Estradiol and Progesterone during the different phases of the estrous cycle in female rats treated with PM. Conclusion: These results indicate that PM has induced disturbances in reproductive homeostasis as indicated by altered serum hormone levels and ovarian cycle irregularities.

[Full Text Article]   [Download Certificate]