Generational reproductive outcomes in Wistar rats maternally exposed to Ricinus communis oil at different stages of gestation

Abstract

Fetal programming hypothesis presupposes that stimulus or insult acting during critical periods of uterine growth and development may permanently alter tissue structure and function. Ricinus communis oil (RCO) has been reported to possess/used as laxative, labor-inducing and estrogenic properties. Generational reproductive effects of maternal exposure to RCO was investigated in rats. A total of 25 pregnant rats randomly assigned to five equal groups were treated with distilled water (control, group 1), RCO (950 mg/kg p.o.) during gestation days (GD) 1-7, 7-14, 14-21 and 1-21, respectively. Birth weight, morphometric data, anogenital distance (AGD), pubertal age, sperm parameters, hormonal profile, organ weight and histopathology were determined in the first (F1) and second (F2) filial generations. Results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in birth weight/morphometric data in male pups from the GD 1-7 and 7-14 groups. AGD decreased significantly in RCO-treated F1 males. Pubertal age of F1 females decreased significantly (P<0.05) compared with controls. At postnatal day 90, F1 males from the RCO-treated group showed significant decrease in testis weight, body weight, sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in RCO-treated F1 males, which also showed testicular interstitial edema and epididymal hypospermia. Only pubertal indexes were altered in F2 rats. Maternal exposure to RCO at early gestation periods impaired androgen-mediated reproductive end points in the first generation of rats. RCO exhibits endocrine disrupting capabilities.

Testicular and epididymal histomorphometric assessment in F1 male Wistar rats after gestational Ricinus communis oil exposure

“…As the interstitium was observed to be mildly oedematous in GD1-7 and GD 1-21, the histological changes observed may be attributed to decreased production of testosterone known to be responsible for normal testicular architecture (EIK-NES, 1970). Testosterone levels were found to be reduced in RCO treated F1 male offspring in our previous study (SALAMI and RAJI, 2015). Despite the observed increase in the epididymal tubular diameter, epididymal luminal diameter, and epithelial height in some groups, the pseudo stratified features of the epididymal epithelium were relatively normal in all the treated groups.…”

“…This was followed by our study exploring the generational reproductive consequences of gestational exposure to RCO in offspring. In F1 males, alterations in androgen mediated reproductive endpoints were reported (SALAMI and RAJI, 2015). In addition sperm parameters and histopathology of the testes and epididymis were also impaired with severity depending on gestational period of exposure.…”

Histological Studies of the Heart and Biochemical Changes Due to the Perinatal Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Flavonoid-rich Extract) to Feed-restricted Rats on Offspring

“…The rats were anesthetized with 2% sodium pentobarbital (75mg/ kg) intraperitoneally. Venous blood was obtained via the orbital (Salami and Raji, 2015) and poured into plain tubes, and allowed to clot. Sera were obtained from the clotted sample after centrifuging at 3000 rpm for 10 min and stored at -20°C until further use to analyze biochemical parameters.…”

Castor oil Induces Morphological Changes in Endometrium and Biochemical Parameters in Pregnant Wistar Rats

“…This Siemens system detects various forms of hCG such as serum intact hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, serum nicked hCG, serum nicked hyperglycosylated hCG, serum asialo-hCG, serum hCG free b-subunit and serum nicked hCG b ( 14). An inter assay coefficient of variation of 8.0, 6.3 and 5.1 % at the concentration of 9.7, 53.1 and 821.5 IU/L, respectively were used (14). The Immulite 2000 is considered as one of the best assays for total hCG.…”