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Sub-lethal Study of Organophosphorus (Chlorpyrifos) Toxicity on Reproductive Biomarkers in Female Wistar Rats *Iheanacho J.U.I., Onyeka P.I.K., Udujih H.I., Udujih O.G., Okoroigbo F.I., Amaechi A.A. and Okafor A.I. Physiology Unit, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Imo State University Owerri, P.M.B. 2000 Owerri, Nigeria. Accepted March 22, 2020 Pesticide exposure may interrupt with the female hormonal function that may lead to adverse effects on the reproductive system which are attributed to menstrual cycle disturbances, prolonged time to pregnancy, prolonged estrous cycle, reduced fertility and others. Pesticides direct and indirect exposure is on the rise globally. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sub-lethal toxicity of chlorpyrifos on reproductive biomarkers in female Wistar rats. Female rats were randomly selected into four equal groups. Group-1 served as control and was not treated while groups-2, 3 and 4 treated with chlorpyrifos at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% concentrations through feed. At the end of the treatment, blood samples were collected for reproductive biomarkers analysis. The results revealed that there was a dose dependent decrease in progesterone levels but found non-significant (p>0.05). Estrogen, FSH and LH were significant (p<0.05) in a dose dependent manner. This investigation revealed that sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos had the capacity to disrupt reproductive biomarkers balance and possible estrous cycle alteration in treated female rats. Thus, further studies of sub-lethal doses with chlorpyrifos are necessary in order to establish patterns of their toxicity as affecting the health of humans and animals. Key words: Chlorpyrifos, reproductive biomarkers, female Wistar rats. Full Text PDF (325 KB) |
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