title: Maternal exposure to aqueous extract of Jacaranda decurrens: effects on reproductive system in male rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proença (Bignoniaceae) is a species widely used for their medicinal properties. At least to our known, no study has been conducted concerning its toxicological profile after gestational and lactational exposure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of J. decurrens on development of the reproductive system in male rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pregnant rats were treated daily (gavage) with 250 or 500 mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of J. decurrens or vehicle, from day 12 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both doses of J. decurrens significantly anticipated (p < 0.05) the age of testicular descent to the scrotum, a parameter indicative of puberty initiation. Furthermore, at puberty, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in testicular and epididymis weights in the offspring exposed to the higher dose of extract, without effect on sperm production and the histology of reproductive organs. On the other hand, at adulthood, the reproductive parameters analyzed did not differ among groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  J. decurrens, in this experimental model, interfered with the initial development of the reproductive system, but without lasting effects on sperm production in adulthood.
authors: School of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD)-Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. ariellearena@ufgd.edu.br
authors: Arielle Cristina
authors: AC
authors: Arena
authors: Jonathas Alves M
authors: JA
authors: Torraca
authors: Claudia Andrea L
authors: CA
authors: Cardoso
authors: Wilma
authors: W
authors: De Grava Kempinas
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: do Carmo Vieira
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D029402:Bignoniaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008297:Male; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts