[Effects of arsenic on reproductive and endocrine system of female rats].
OBJECTIVE
Effects of arsenic on the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) in serum of female rats, as well as histopathological changes of ovary and adrenal gland were researched.


METHODS
The hormone levels of female rats were determined by RIA exposing arsenic for 10 weeks, and histopathological examination of ovary and adrenal gland were performed with light microscope.


RESULTS
In spite of LH, there was no levels of three hormones (P > 0.05). However, different extents of histopathological changes in ovary and adrenal gland were found.


CONCLUSIONS
LH is a sensitive index on hormones of female rats, but it may directly damage the reproductive system.
Zhang
Chen
C
School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China.
Tang
Hui-Ling
HL
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D001151:Arsenic / Q000633:toxicity*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D004958:Estradiol; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D001151:Arsenic