Evaluation of Aluminium Toxicity and the Ameliorative Effect of Some Selected Antioxidants on Reproductive Hormones and Organs of Female Wister Rats

Abstract

This research investigated aluminium (Al) toxicity and the ameliorative effect of some selected antioxidants on reproductive hormones and organs of female Wister rats. Vitamin A (vit A), vitC,vitE, selenium(Se), zinc(Zn) and ginseng with Al was orally administered to the rats at varying doses to determine their ameliorative potential. Forty eight female rats were grouped in eight of six rats each. The groups were treated as follows: Group 1 served as control and was given just rat feed and water. Al. The rats were treated for 6 weeks. The hormonal and histopathological examinations of the ovaries were determined using standard methods. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in serum prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The result of progesterone (PROG) assay showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the aluminium fed group when compared to the control. However, progesterone level in groups treated respectively with Al+Se, vitA, C and E showed a significant increase (p<0.05) while ginseng showed no significant (p>0.05) ameliorative effect. Photomicrographs showed a marked vacuolation in the stromal cells of the ovary in the Altreated group with no histological changes observed in all the other groups. The study suggests a distortion of the membrane of the ovary leading to a disruption of the endocrine system.