System Of Female Wistar Rats Research Articles

Topiramate treatment during adolescence induces short and long-term alterations in the reproductive system of female rats

Topiramate (TPM) is an antiepileptic drug used for treating epilepsy in children, and migraine in teenagers. In this context, preclinical studies with adult female rats observed reproductive system abnormalities following treatment with TPM. Additionally, exposure to endocrine disruptors during developmental plasticity periods, such as childhood and adolescence, may influence characteristics in the adult individual. This study evaluated whether treatment with TPM during developmental periods influences the reproductive system of female rats either immediately or in adult life. Female Wistar rats were treated with TPM (41 mg/Kg/day) by oral gavage from postnatal day (PND) 16–28, or PND 28–50, which correspond to childhood and adolescence, respectively, and euthanized either 24 h after the final administration or during adulthood. Treatment with TPM during adolescence induced short-term increase in uterus and ovary weights and reduction in endometrial stroma thickness. Adult animals treated during adolescence displayed reduced primordial ovarian follicles’ numbers, and increased primary and pre-antral ovarian follicles’ numbers. Treatment during childhood induced no short or long-term differences. These results indicate TPM treatment during adolescence is capable of inducing short and long-term alterations on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats.

Induction of apoptosis, oxidative stress, hormonal, and histological alterations in the reproductive system of thiamethoxam-exposed female rats

The present study aimed to investigate the oral toxic effects of 1/10 LD50 and 1/5 LD50 of thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid insecticide, on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats. Thirty female rats were divided into three groups and supplied orally with either; saline solution, 1/10 LD50 of TMX (156 mg/kg) or 1/5 LD50 of TMX (312 mg/kg). The daily administration was extended for 30 days. Investigating the parameters of oxidative stress, hormonal levels, histopathological alterations, and the apoptotic markers (P53, BAX, BCL-2, and caspase-3) was performed in the uterus and ovary of rats. Results showed significant changes in the body weight gain, and relative weight of the left and right ovaries and uterus. Moreover, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (ED), and progesterone (PG) serum levels were not significantly altered following TMX oral administration. The level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the TMX-exposed group (156 mg/kg) was significantly increased; however, a significant decrease was observed in TMX-exposed animals (312 mg/kg). TMX induced significant oxidative stress in exposed groups by reducing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT), and elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Following hematoxylin and eosin staining, the microscopic examination revealed deteriorated luteal cells with vacuolation in the corpus luteum, a follicle containing a degenerated oocyte and degeneration/necrosis of the circular muscle layer with a high rate of apoptotic cells in TMX-exposed animals. TMX induced transcriptional alterations in apoptosis-related genes shifting towards the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Collectively, results suggest the toxic effect of the TMX on the reproductive health of female Wistar rats.

The Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Premature Musa Paradisiaca (Plantain) Pulp on the Reproductive System of Female Wistar Rats

Musa paradisiaca is a medicinal plant that is used widely in Nigeria for the preparation of various herbal remedies. This study investigated the effects of premature Musa paradisiaca (plantain) fruit on the reproductive hormones and characteristics of female wistar rats. Twenty female Wistar rats with regular oestrous cycle with an average weight of 145g were used. The animals were randomly grouped and divided into four groups of five animals each. Musa paradisiaca extract was administered for 14 days while monitoring the estrous cycle. Twenty hours after the last administration, animals in their proestrus were mated while animals on the oestrous phase were sacrificed, and blood samples taken. Phytochemical analysis of premature Musa paradisiaca revealed that terpenes, sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids were heavily present. The extract of premature Musa paradisiaca altered the estrous cycle of Wistar rats. Resorption was observed in high dose group. Significant increase in FSH, LH were observed in the treatment groups. Reduction in Progesterone level was observed in the high dose treatment group. In conclusion, the extract of Musa paradisiaca potentially alters fertility, inhibited implantation and had a significant effect on the reproductive hormones.

The Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Premature Carica papaya (Pawpaw) Fruits on the Reproductive System of Female Wistar Rats

In recent times, different plant extracts have been reported to exert fertility enhancing effects. Carica papaya fruit is known for its use in preparation of herbal remedies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Carica papaya on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats. Sixteen (16) female Wistar rats with regular oestrous cycle were used for this study. Animals were grouped into four (4) groups (control, low dose, middle dose, and high dose) of 4 animals each. Carica papaya fruit extract was administered for 14 days while monitoring the oestrous cycle. Twenty hours after the last administration, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples taken. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Data obtained was expressed as Mean ± standard deviation, values were considered statistically significant when P ≤ 0.05. Phytochemical analysis of premature Carica papaya fruit revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, sterols and terpenoids were heavily present. Estrous cycle was not altered. Serum FSH and LH increased. The extract is likely to possess fertility enhancing properties.

The Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Premature Musa Paradisiaca (Plantain) Pulp on the Reproductive System of Female Wistar Rats

The Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Premature Musa Paradisiaca (Plantain) Pulp on the Reproductive System of Female Wistar Rats

Effects of Crude Oil contaminated Water on the reproductive system of Female Wistar Rats

The rising level of infertility in the females have been associated with environmental pollutants and one such pollutants is crude oil. Crude oil pollution occurs in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria and interaction with this toxicant by both humans and animals may adversely the female reproductive system. This study was designed to investigate the effect of crude oil contaminated water on reproductive functions in female Wistar rats. Fifteen (15) female rats weighing between 140g-230g were used for this study and the rats were divided into three (3) groups (1, 2 and 3) and each group had five rats. Group 1 was the control group while group 2 and 3 were the test groups receiving 2.5mls and 5mls of crude oil contaminated water twice daily for four weeks. The stages of Oestrus cycle of the rats were checked daily. The rats were sacrificed after four weeks and the blood collected were used for hormonal assays (Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Testosterone). The uterus and ovaries were used for histology (Haematoxylin and Eosin staining), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software for windows and data were expressed as mean±standard error of mean. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. There was no significant changes (p>0.05) in the weights and relative reproductive organ weights (uterus and ovary) of among the three groups. FSH and LH in the test group of rats fed with crude oil contaminated water when compared with the control were not statistically significant (p<0.05). Oestradiol was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the test group whereas progesterone and progesterone-oestradiol ratio was significantly elevated (p<0.05) in the test groups when compared with the control. There were degenerative changes in the ovaries and uterus of rats fed with crude oil contaminated water when compared with the control. SOD was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the test group while MDA was elevated in the ovaries and uterus of the test group. The oestrus cycle was irregular in the test groups. Crude oil contaminated water has endocrine disrupting effects on the female reproductive system as well as inducing oxidative stress and this may adversely affect female reproductive functions and fertility. KEY WORDS : Crude oil contaminated water, Endocrine disruptor, Female reproductive functions, Oxidative stress DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/72-05 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Subchronic exposure to palladium nanoparticles affects serum levels of cytokines in female Wistar rats.

Recently, palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) have been increasingly used in many industrial sectors, and this has led to a significant release of nano-sized palladium particles into the environment. However, despite the increase in occupational and general population exposure, information on the potential adverse effects of these PdNPs is still limited and their impact on the immune system constitutes a major health concern. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential adverse effects induced by subchronic intravenous administration of PdNPs on the immune system of female Wistar rats by evaluating alterations in Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), Interferon (INF)-γ, and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α serum levels. Exposed and control animals were randomly divided into five groups (0, 0.012, 0.12, 1.2, and 12 μg PdNPs per kg body weight) which were treated with repeated intravenous injections of vehicle or PdNPs (on day 1, 30, and 60). Subchronic exposure to PdNPs induced a decreasing trend in serum levels in most of the cytokines investigated, with the highest concentration (12 μg/kg) determining significant inhibitory effects. Overall, these results showed that PdNPs are able to alter cytokine serum levels in subchronically treated Wistar rats, suggesting a possible impact of these xenobiotics on the immune system after long-term exposures.

Effect of Chronic Treatment with Grape Juice during Pregnancy and Nursing in Central Nervous System of Female Wistar Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic treatment with purple grape juice (Vitis labrusca L.), by free access or gavage, during the pregnancy and lactation on the behavior and parameters of oxidative stress on the central nervous system tissues of female Wistar rats. The female Wistar rats (n=40) were mated, and the pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal swab. After the pregnancy was confirmed, the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: water (free access); water (gavage); juice (free access); juice (gavage). The animals were treated with water or juice (free access or gavage). The gavage was done once a day at a dose of 7µL/g of body weight. On the open field test, we observed that the grape juice was able to increase the latency time, decrease the time to rearing and lower the time and the frequency crossing. In the plus maze test, the grape juice was able to decrease the time spent in the open arm, which suggests anxiolytic characteristics to the juice. On the oxidative stress analyzes, the grape juice was capable to reduce the lipid per oxidation, however, it was not able to reduce the protein oxidation induced by the damage provoke by the gavages. Grape juice increased non-enzymatic defenses (sulfhyidryl content) in the cerebral cortex. The activity of the SOD and CAT enzymes were modulated by grape juice differently depending on the tissue evaluated. We observed that the SOD/CAT ratio also presented a different behavior in each of the tissues. We conclude that pregnancy can be an important factor to alter various parameters, on behavioral or biochemical assays. However, we found that grape juice was able to improve some parameters, reducing the stress caused by gavage in brain structures.

Neonatal isoflavone exposure interferes with the reproductive system of female Wistar rats

There is increasing concern about possible adverse effects of soy based infant formulas (SBIF) due to their high amount of isoflavones (ISO). The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of neonatal exposure to ISO on reproductive system of female Wistar rats.Animals were exposed to an ISO depleted diet or a diet enriched with an ISO extract (IRD; 508mg ISO/kg) during embryogenesis and adolescence. Pups of each group were fed daily by pipette with ISO-suspension (ISO+; 32mg ISO/kg bw) or placebo from postnatal day (PND) 1 until PND23 resulting in plasma concentrations similar to levels reported in infants fed SBIF.The visceral fat mass was reduced by long-term IRD. Vaginal epithelial height was increased at PND23 and vaginal opening was precocious in ISO+ groups. Later in life, more often irregular estrus cycles were observed in rats of ISO+ groups. In addition, FSH levels and uterine epithelial heights were increased at PND80 in ISO+ groups.In summary, the results indicate that neonatal ISO intake, resulting in plasma concentrations achievable through SBIF, has an estrogenic effect on prepubertal rats and influences female reproductive tract later in life.

Changes in the Immune System of Female Wistar Rats After Exposure to Immunosuppressive Treatment During Pregnancy.

This experimental study assessed the impact of medications frequently used after kidney transplantation on the immune system of pregnant female Wistar rats. The study evaluates medications, both approved and contraindicated during pregnancy in common therapeutic combinations. The study was conducted on 32 female Wistar rats, subjected to immunosuppressive regimens most commonly used in therapy of human kidney transplant recipients (cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone; tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone; and cyclosporine A, everolimus and prednisone). The animals received drugs by oral gavage 2weeks before pregnancy and at 3weeks of pregnancy. We found drug regimen-dependent differences in cytometry from spleen. Many subpopulations of lymphocytes were suppressed in rats treated with cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone; the number of NK cells was increased in group of rats treated with cyclosporine A, everolimus and prednisone. We also found changes in histological examination of thymus and spleen of all treated dams. In cytokine assay, we noticed increasing levels of IL-17 with increasing doses of concanavalin A in control group and in group of dams treated with cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone. This increase was blocked in rats treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone and cyclosporine A, everolimus and prednisone. Qualitative, quantitative and morphological changes of immune system in pharmacologically immunosuppressed females have been observed. Thymus structure, spleen composition and splenocytes IL-17 production were mostly affected in drug regimen-dependent manner.

Exposure to Palladium Nanoparticles Affects Serum Levels of Cytokines in Female Wistar Rats.

BackgroundInformation currently available on the impact of palladium on the immune system mainly derives from studies assessing the biological effects of palladium salts. However, in the last years, there has been a notable increase in occupational and environmental levels of fine and ultrafine palladium particles released from automobile catalytic converters, which may play a role in palladium sensitization. In this context, the evaluation of the possible effects exerted by palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) on the immune system is essential to comprehensively assess palladium immunotoxic potential.AimTherefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Pd-NPs on the immune system of female Wistar rats exposed to this xenobiotic for 14 days, by assessing possible quantitative changes in a number of cytokines: IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, GM-CSF, INF-γ and TNF-α.MethodsTwenty rats were randomly divided into four exposure groups and one of control. Animals were given a single tail vein injection of vehicle (control group) and different concentrations of Pd-NPs (0.012, 0.12, 1.2 and 12 μg/kg). A multiplex biometric enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate cytokine serum levels.ResultsThe mean serum concentrations of all cytokines decreased after the administration of 0.012 μg/kg of Pd-NPs, whereas exceeded the control levels at higher exposure doses. The highest concentration of Pd-NPs (12 μg/kg) induced a significant increase of IL-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, GM-CSF and INF-γ compared to controls.Discussion and ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that Pd-NP exposure can affect the immune response of rats inducing a stimulatory action that becomes significant at the highest administered dose. Our findings did not show an imbalance between cytokines produced by CD4+ T helper (Th) cells 1 and 2, thus suggesting a generalized stimulation of the immune system with a simultaneous activation and polarization of the naïve T cells towards Th1 and Th2 phenotype.

THE MORPHOFUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE ORGANS OF IMMUNE SYSTEM AND LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD OF FEMALE WISTAR RATS IN DIFFERENT PHASES OF THE ESTROUS CYCLE

Differences in the morphofunctional state of the immune system of female Wistar rats in different phases of the estrous cycle are revealed. In the phase of diestrus the indices of cortex volume fraction of thymus and volume fraction of white pulp and marginal zone of lymphoid follicles of spleen are higher; the indices of subcapsular layer width of thymus and index of stimulation of granulocytes in the peripheral blood are lower as compared with the phase of proestrus. Differences in the absolute count and the percentage of T and B lymphocytes, T helpers, cytotoxic, activated and regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of female rats in the phases of proestrus and diestrus aren’t revealed.

Effect of plumbagin free alcohol extract of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. root on reproductive system of female Wistar rats

Objective To assess the effect of plumbagin-free alcohol extract (PFAE) of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Plumbaginaceae) ( P. zeylanica) root, on female reproductive system and fertility of adult female wistar rats. Methods After the oral acute toxicity study, the PFAE was administered at two dose levels to perform the estrous cycle study, anti-implantation and abortifacient activity and hormonal analysis. However, the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity was evaluated at only one most effective dose. Results LD 50 cut-off was 5 000 mg/kg body weight. The extract exhibited significant anti-implantation and abortifacient activity at the tested dose levels (300 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) ( P<0.01). The extract dose-dependently decreased the levels of serum progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, while a dose-dependent increase was observed in the concentration of serum prolactin. The extract did not show any significant changes in structure and function of uterus when given alone, but when given along with ethinyl estradiol, it exhibited significant antiestrogenic activity in immature overiectomized female rats( P<0.001). Biochemical parameters in the serum/blood and haematological parameters did not show appreciable changes throughout and after the course of investigation. However, all the altered parameters returned to normalcy within 30 days following withdrawal of treatment. Conclusions All findings suggest that the antifertility activity of extract could possibly be through the changes in the implantation site, altered hormonal levels, prolonged estrous cycle and anti-estrogenic activity. Hence, the extract possesses reversible antifertility activity without adverse toxicity in female rats.

Ultrastructural Imaging ofCandida albicansAdhesion to Rat Genital Epithelium through Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy

The adhesion of Candida albicans to the genital epithelium has not been fully investigated in vivo. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructural aspects of C. albicans adhesion in the lower genital system of female Wistar rats through scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The genital infection persisted until the end of the experiment, and all rats showed the same adhesion aspects. Various associated yeast/hyphae were observed in the lumen and adhered both at the vaginal and endocervical levels where the fungal filamentation process occurred. In the vaginal epithelium, closely adhered yeasts were observed as stretched strands bridging between yeasts and the epithelium surface. Different stages of the adhesion, where yeasts internalized into the epithelial cell inside a cytoplasmic vacuole, resembling endocytosis, and a wide fibrillar-floccular, glycocalyx-like layer on the yeasts were observed. On the endocervix, the adhesion occurred between the cilia. In the uterine body, only a yeast-like form was observed with superficial contact. This study reached the initial goal of demonstrating an experimental model for in vivo studies. Continuation of this line of research is important for studies of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Influence of flaxseed during lactation on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats.

The goal of this article was to evaluate the association between flaxseed intake during lactation and its effects on the reproductive indexes in female offspring at infancy, puberty and adult age. Two groups were evaluated, an experimental group (FG, n=24) which consumed a flaxseed based diet and a control group (CG, n=26) which had access to a casein based diet. Both of them were fed exclusively with the mentioned diets during all lactation and after weaning the pups received a standard laboratory diet until sacrifice (at weaning, in the moment of vaginal opening or at 90 days old). It was analyzed the puberty onset, estrous cycle, serum estradiol and albumin concentrations, body weight, uterine and ovarian weights. Estradiol and albumin serum concentrations, body weight, uterine and ovarian relative weights were similar in FG and CG at weaning, at vaginal opening and at 90 days old. There was not significant difference in puberty onset between FG and CG, both had similar body weight at vaginal opening. The length of estrous cycle was similar for both groups. There was no significant difference concerning number of females with irregular estrous cycle, only 2 females had irregular cycle in FG and 3 in the CG. None of the females was acyclic. Flaxseed intake during lactation did not interfere with sexual maturation and reproductive organs development, suggesting that its consumption during this period is safe for sexual development of female offspring.

Expression and distribution of 'high affinity' glutamate transporters GLT1, GLAST, EAAC1 and of GCPII in the rat peripheral nervous system.

l-Glutamate is one of the major excitatory neurotransmitters in the mammalian central nervous system, but recently it has been shown to have a role also in the transduction of sensory input at the periphery, and in particular in the nociceptive pathway. An excess of glutamate is implicated in cases of peripheral neuropathies as well. Conventional therapeutic approaches for treating these diseases have focused on blocking glutamate receptors with small molecules or on reducing its synthesis of the receptors through the inhibition of glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), the enzyme that generates glutamate. In vivo studies have demonstrated that the pharmacological inhibition of GCPII can either prevent or treat the peripheral nerve changes in both BB/Wor and chemically induced diabetes in rats. In this study, we characterized the expression and distribution of glutamate transporters GLT1, GLAST, EAAC1 and of the enzyme GCPII in the peripheral nervous system of female Wistar rats. Immunoblotting results demonstrated that all glutamate transporters and GCPII are present in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the sciatic nerve. Immunofluorescence localization studies revealed that both DRG and sciatic nerves were immunopositive for all glutamate transporters and for GCPII. In DRG, satellite cells were positive for GLT1 and GCPII, whereas sensory neurons were positive for EAAC1. GLAST was localized in both neurons and satellite cells. In the sciatic nerve, GLT1 and GCPII were expressed in the cytoplasm of Schwann cells, whereas GLAST and EAAC1 stained the myelin layer. Our results give for the first time a complete characterization of the glutamate transporter system in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, they are important both for understanding glutamatergic signalling in the PNS and for establishing new strategies to treat peripheral neuropathies.