engleski

Effect of subacute atrazine treatment on ovary function in pigs

Recent reports suggest that atrazine, an organochemical environmental contaminant from the group of s-triazines, transiently prolong the oestrous cycle of female rats, characterized by extended vaginal dioestrus. the aim of this study was to investigate, by use of biochemical and histologic criteria, whether subacute exposure of female pigs to a low dose of atrazine could influence the endocrine regulation of their oestrus. Experiments were carried out in 8 female pigs (cross-bred Swedish and German landraces), 6-7 months old, wt. 80-100 kg, which were given 150 mg atrazine per kg of diet for 19 days. During the first five post-treatment days anticipating the oestrus period, blood samples were collected to determine serum 17-beta-estradiol by Delfia time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Paraffinized ovary sections were stained for histologic examination. The atrazine-treated animals failed to show the first signs of the anticipated oestrus. A significantly lower (p<0, 001) serum 17-beta-estradiol concentration was recorded 48 and 24 h before the onset of the anticipated oestrus, as compared to intact pigs. Histologic examination revealed the development of multiple (small or large) ovarian follicular cysts. The results suggested that the subacute exposure of female pigs to low dose of atrazine influenced the endocrine activity of the ovary, manifesting itself as a delay in the onset of oestrus.

atrazine; ovary function; pigs

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