Reproductive efficiency of female albino rats after prolactin biosynthesis blockage

Abstract

Prolactin is known to mediate many physiological functions including lactation, reproductive outcomes and sexual behaviors. Abnormally high levels, referred to as hyperprolactinemia has been associated with sexual disorders and infertility. However, little is known about the effect of blockade of prolactin biosynthesis (resulting in hypoprolactinaemia). This study aims to analyze this effect on the reproductive efficiency of female wistar rats. Prolactin biosynthesis blockade was induced using the dopamine agonist, bromocriptine at a dose of 2.5 mg/day. This was divided into two doses of 1.25 mg/day and was administered at 10.00 and 18.00 hours. The drug was administered for 10 days post acclimatization before mating and was continued until the end of gestation period. After acclimatization, the female rats were grouped into two groups (group 1; those without induction of blockade and group 2; those with blockade) prior to mating. After induction of prolactin biosynthesis blockade, the female rats numbering 32 females were grouped into 4 groups to allow for mating in ratio of 1:2 (1 male to 2 females). Group 1 served as the control group, group 2 (female rats with induction of prolactin biosynthesis blockade. Administration of bromocriptine stopped once pregnancy was confirmed.), group 3 (female rats with induction of prolactin biosynthesis blockade stopping at second week of gestation.) and group 4 (received bromocriptine till the end of gestation). It was noted that the live birth index for all the groups was 100%, mean litter size was noted as 5 pubs for all the groups except the control which was 6 pubs. There were also no still births, abortions or preterm deliveries. These findings may suggest that prolactin biosynthesis blockade did not negatively affect reproductive outcomes in the female rats.