:: Volume 24, Issue 6 (2-2017) ::
Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2017, 24(6): 11-22 Back to browse issues page
Evaluation of Neonatal Exposure to Mycoestrogens Zearalenone and Alpha-zearalenol on Puberty and Reproductive Function in Female Mice
Rahmatollah Parandin1 , Morteza Behnam Rassouli * 2, Nasser Mahdavi Shahri1
1- Dept of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
2- Dept of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran , behnam@um.ac.ir.
Abstract:   (5749 Views)

Introduction: It is well known that exposure to estrogenic compounds during critical and sensitive periods of lifespan could result in adverse effects on the development and function of reproductive system. In the present study, we examined the effects of neonatal mycoestrogens Zearalenone (Zen) and alpha-zearalenol (α-Zol) exposure on the onset of puberty and reproductive parameters such as estrous cycle and ovarian follicle pool in female mice.

Materials & methods: Pups were injected subcutaneously at postnatal days (PND) 1-5 with sesame oil, estradiol benzoate (EB, 20µg/kg bw), Zen (0.2, 1, 2mg/kg bw) and alpha-Zol(0.2, 1, 2mg/kg bw). The control group received no treatment. Vaginal opening and estrous cycle were monitored from PND 23 to 70. Animals were sacrificed at PND 70, and blood and ovary were collected.

Finding: Advanced vaginal opening, disrupted estrous cycles and decreased follicular pool were significantly observed in EB, 1 and 2 Zen and 1 and 2 α-Zol. Also, LH and estradiol levels impaired.

Discussion & conclusions: Neonatal exposure to mycoestrogens accelerated the onset of puberty but decreased reproductive parameters in female mice. These alterations could result from disruption anywhere within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadalaxis in particular estrogen-sensitive neuronal populations of hypothalamus.

Keywords: Zearalenone, Reproducrive functions, Puberty, Female mice
Full-Text [PDF 793 kb]   (1838 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: toxicology
Received: 2015/10/5 | Accepted: 2016/01/18 | Published: 2017/02/11



XML   Persian Abstract   Print



Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Volume 24, Issue 6 (2-2017) Back to browse issues page