The Effects of The Non-Fatal Electrical Injury on Caspase-3 Expression in Ovaries of Female Albino Rats: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Introduction:In the developing world, electrical injury presents a serious issue with high morbidity and mortality. Gonads are electrical current-sensitive organs because of their low resistance. Few studies have been done on the gonads, even though many have shown the effects of electricity on various body organs. Aim: This work aimed to detect the ovaries' histological changes and assess the immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3 at different intervals (immediate, 2h, 24h, 72h & 7 days) in female albino rats that have been exposed to a non-lethal electrical current. Methodology: Egypt, Minia, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology is where the current study was conducted. It contained 60 female albino rats, each weighing between 200 and 250 g. To analyze caspase-3 histopathologically and immunohistochemically, sections from the ovaries were processed. Results: The studied animals' ovaries displayed the presence of ovarian trauma with significant histological abnormalities and a significant increase in caspase-3 expression. Conclusion: Caspase-3 elevated levels and the histopathological changes supported the theory that apoptosis was the main mechanism of the electrical injury to the ovaries. Future fertility may be affected by these changes, which may manifest as abnormal ovarian function. Recommendations: Further studies on the ovarian changes following electrical injury with different time intervals than those used in the present research are recommended.