Endocrine Abstracts

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methomyl 25%WP (Lannate, carbamate broad spectrum insecticide) on the reproductive parameters in female Wistar rats during pregnancy and the possible protective role of vitamin E against methomyl-induced toxicity.

Methods: The animals were randomly divided into four groups, eight of each. Group I served as control; Group II received orally a dose of methomyl (Met, 10 mg/kg per day), Group III was dosed via gavage by vitamin E (Vit E, 100 mg/kg per day), Group IV received a concomitantly treatment of methomyl plus vitamin E (Met + Vit E). The treatment lasted from GD1 to GD18. Body weight gain, food and water intake, progesterone levels (at GD18) and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated, then after post-partum, dams were sacrificed, adrenal and ovary organs were excised, weighed and used for histological examinations.

Results: When compared with control, methomyl group showed a significant decrease in ovary relative weights, progesterone levels, litter size, sex ratio, gestation index and the newborn mean weight. In the other hand, the histological adrenal and ovary examinations revealed pathohistological changes marked by cells disorganization and vacuolization in the adrenal gland, as well as degenerative changes with a few number of healthy follicles and many atretic folliclesat different stages of development in ovary. In addition, Vit E group displays similar pregnancy outcomes and histological structure in both adrenal and ovary organs when compared with control, however a slight elevation in progesterone level was noted. The co-administration of Vit E along with methomyl reversed partially or completely all the adverse toxic effects generated by methomyl. In conclusion, it is clear that vitamin E has a potential protective role against methomyl-induced reprotoxicity in female treated during pregnancy and this may result from its antioxidant properties proven in several recent studies.