Adverse effects of arsenic exposure on the mammary glands of adult female rats
2012
Jahan, S. (Quaid-i-Azam Univ., Islamabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Animal Sciences) | Ahmed, S. (Quaid-i-Azam Univ., Islamabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Animal Sciences) | Razzaq, S. (Quaid-i-Azam Univ., Islamabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Animal Sciences) | Ahmed, H.
The present study was designed to investigate the negative effects of arsenic exposure on mammary glands and hormonal profile of female adult rats. Two different doses of sodium arsenite 100ppm and 200ppm were given in drinking water for 28 days. Dose-dependent decrease was observed in the mean body weight gain in both treated groups as compared to control. A significant decrease (p less than 0.0001) was observed in the mean weight of mammary glands in treated groups as compared to control. Arsenite treatment also altered the histomorphology of mammary glands. Epithelial cells of lactiferous ducts were no more compactly arranged and became irregular in shape instead of compactly arranged cuboidal cells as in control. Myoepithelial cells were scarcely present in 100ppm and 200ppm treated group as compared to proper layers in control. Stroma was also disturbed containing irregular, loosely arranged cells in 100ppm and 200ppm treated groups. Dose-dependent decrease (p less than 0.001) was observed in morphometric measurements of mean epithelial height of lactiferous ducts, nipple epithelium, nuclear diameter and number of terminal end buds. Plasma levels of estradiol and prolactin were significantly decreased (p less than 0.001) in both treated groups as compared to control. These findings indicate that arsenic is a toxicant which restricts the development and alters the morphology of mammary glands by affecting the estradiol and prolactin levels.
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