Effect of Perinatal Exposure to Low Dose Bisphenol A on Hepatic and Renal Tissues of Male Albino Rat Offspring: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Morphometric Studies

Abstract

Introduction: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals with worldwide human oral exposure. Guideline studies established a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at 5 mg/kg body weight /day. Aim of The Work: to assess the hazards of oral maternal intake to low dose of BPA below NOAEL during pregnancy and lactation, on hepatic and renal tissues of male albino rat offspring through histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. Material and Methods: Thirty pregnant albino rats were equally divided into three groups; group A did not receive any treatment, group B received 1mL corn oil orally once daily by gastric tube, group C received 200 μg/kg bw /day of BPA (dissolved in 1mL corn oil) by gastric tube once daily from 6th day of gestation until weaning. Forty male rat pups from each group were subdivided into four subgroups according to the age of sacrifice (1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th) postnatal weeks (PW). After weaning, treatment was stopped. Livers and kidneys' specimens were collected and prepared for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric studies and statistical analysis. Results: Multiple histological degenerative changes in the hepatic and renal tissues of male albino rat offspring were observed after oral administration of low dose BPA to their mothers. These changes were obvious at 1st PW and progressed to become massive and extensive at 3rd and 6th PW then became less severe at 9th PW in spite of the cessation of BPA treatment at weaning. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemical and statistical studies. Conclusion: Perinatal maternal intake to low dose of BPA below the dose of NOAEL, induced histopathological changes in livers and kidneys of male albino rat offspring. These changes may be considered as indicator for possibility of neoplastic liability.