The effect of Vitamin C on amodiaquine‐induced oxidative stress in the ovary of Sprague‐Dawley rats

Abstract

AQ‐induced oxidative stress leads to increased atresia which in turn leads to reduced follicle numbers, and reduced oocyte numbers at ovulation. This research study the effect of the co‐administration of amodiaquine hydrochloride (AQ.HCl) with Vitamin C on oestrous cycle, ovulation, oxidative stress markers and the histomorphology of the ovary of mature Sprague‐Dawley rats.Two study experimental groups were observed, Group 1: the effect of the co‐administration of AQ.HCl with Vitamin C on pattern and length of the oestrous cycle, histomorphology of the ovary and antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Group 2: the effect of the co‐administration of a single dose of AQ.HCl with Vitamin C administered in the evening of proestrus on ovulation and serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL).Co‐administration of AQ.HCl with Vitamin C resulted in an irregularity in cycle pattern and also increased (p < 0.05) the length of the oestrous cycle by prolonging the diestrus phase compared to the control. Histological sections showed increased number of atretic follicles compared to the control. A statistical significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in the activities of CAT and SOD. Serum levels of FSH, LH and PRL were comparable to control values however; the number of ova shed in the oviduct was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The result of this study showed that Vitamin C could not confer protection against the deleterious effect of AQ.HCl on the ovary of Sprague‐Dawley rats.