title: The role of the route of administration of poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the reproductive and vital organs of adult female rats.
abstract: Studies have shown that high doses of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) given by conventional methods (orally or injections) have adverse effects on the reproductive and vital organs of adult female rats. However, there has not been documentation as to the effects of PCBs on adult female rats by means of a sustained delivery system. The specific objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the effects of sustained delivery (TCPL ceramics) of PCB versus conventional mode of administration (injection) on the reproductive and vital organs of the adult female rat, (2) to evaluate the role that PCB that might have on the estrus events of adult female rats upon the exposure by sustained delivery (TCPL ceramics) and conventional mode (injection), and (3) to histopathologically evaluate the effect that PCB might have on the ovarian and accessory organs upon the sustained delivery for 21 days. A total of 10 adult female rats (BW 270-300 gm) were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 3) served as the control, group 2 (n = 4) was injected intramuscularly every other day with Aroclor 1254 (0.1 cc), and each rat in-group 3 (n = 3) was implanted with TCPL capsules (5 mg of 2,3,3',4,5-Pentachlorobiphenyl). Aseptic surgical techniques were performed throughout the experiment. Blood (1 cc) was collected biweekly for biochemical analysis, and body weights were recorded as well. Pap smears were taken daily at approximately the same time for 25 days, and two slides were made for each pap taken (1 pap stain, 1 Diff Quik). At the end of 21 days post-implantation, all control and experimental animals were sacrificed following standard lab procedures (overdose of Halothane). The reproductive and vital organs were collected, weighed, fixed, embedded, sectioned, and stained (H&E) for histological evaluations. Data obtained from this investigation suggest the following: (1) TCPL devices were able to deliver PCB at sustained levels for 21 days, (2) regardless of the route of PCB administration no significant change was observed in total body weight compared to the controls, (3) conventional administration of PCB resulted in a remarkable changes in the fallopian tubes compared to control and sustained delivery implanted animals, (4) there were no obvious change was observed in the phases of estrus cycles upon the exposure of PCB, and (4) histopathological evaluation of spleen, kidneys, heart, adrenals, ovaries, uterus, and cervix tissues exposed to PCB did not reveal any significant changes compared to the intact group.
authors.affiliation: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Benghuzzi
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Cason
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsao
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Puckett
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D002516:Ceramics; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000187:drug effects*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D008239:Lysine; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010710:Phosphates; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D004343:Drug Implants; D010710:Phosphates; C112656:tricalcium phosphate lysine; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; D008239:Lysine