Toxic Effects of Aluminium on Female Reproductive System in Presence of Ethanol Coexposure

Abstract

Both aluminium and ethanol are pro-oxidants and toxic. Uncontrolled use of aluminium and increasing trends of ethanol consumption in India increased the chance of coexposure to aluminium and ethanol. There are possibilities, that both of them follow common mechanisms to produce reproductive toxicity. The present study was planned to identify the effects of aluminium administration on the microscopic structure of ovary and to clarify any possible protection conferred by the concomitant administration of ethanol. Sixteen female rats divided into one control and three experimental groups exposed to aluminium (4.2mg/kg body weight) and ethanol (1gm/kg body weight) for 3 months. After the exposure period, ovaries were processed for light microscopic examination. Ovary showed significant atretic follicles with degenerated ova and vacuolation. Rupture of zona pellucida in oocyte seen in aluminium treated animals. Ethanol treated group showing absence of growing follicles, increased large corpora lutea. Dilated and congested vessels were observed in the growing follicle. The effects of combined administration of aluminium and ethanol treated groups showed with acute degeneration of growing follicles, with desquamation of pyknotic granulosa cells and degenerated oocyte. Multiple vacuoles of degenerated granulosa cells with dilated congested vessels and edema seen. Hyaline material seen inside the degenerating follicles. It has been suggested that the ethanol induced augmentation of impacts of aluminium on the Ovary.