title: Effects of methoxychlor on the reproductive system of the adult female mouse. 1. Gross and histologic observations.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the pesticide methoxychlor (MXC) on the reproductive system of the adult female mouse. Sexually mature (7- to 8-week) virgin female CD-1 mice were exposed to 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 mg MXC (50% technical grade) via oral gavage for 5 consecutive days each week for either 2 or 4 weeks. Control groups received either 0.025 mg estradiol-17 beta (E-17 beta) or the sesame oil vehicle for the same time period. Vaginal smears were taken daily, and weights were recorded weekly. Twenty-four hours following the final exposure, animals were sacrificed. Ovaries and reproductive tracts were removed and weighed. One ovary from each animal was prepared for light microscopic evaluation. Results revealed a dose dependency of MXC in inducing persistent vaginal estrus (PVE). Ovaries of MXC-exposed and E-17 beta-exposed animals weighed significantly less than the sesame oil controls. In addition, there was an increase in the number of atretic large follicles in the E-17 beta group and in those mice treated with the two highest doses of MXC, indicating a potential reduction in the immediate fertility of the animal. Thus, this commonly employed pesticide appears to mimic closely those effects on the female reproductive system induced by estrogens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Louisiana State University, New Orleans 70112-1393.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Swartz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008731:Methoxychlor / Q000633:toxicity*; D051379:Mice; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D004958:Estradiol; D008731:Methoxychlor