Influence of α-tocopherol on heat stress-induced changes in the reproductive function of swiss albino mice

Abstract EN

The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) on heat stress-induced changes in the reproduction of Swiss albino mice.

The evaluated parameters include: the estrous cycle, fertility, post-implantation losses of fetuses and estimation of progesterone levels in the serum.

Eight groups of experimental mice (10 each) were used.

Groups 1-4 (24 ˚C) consisted of a control and α-tocopherol (100, 200 and 400 mg / kg) treated groups.

Groups 5-8 (42 ˚C) consisted of a positive control and α-tocopherol (100, 200 and 400 mg / kg) treated group.

Heat-stress reduced significantly (p > 0.001) the number of fetuses and corpora lutea.

There was also a significant decrease in the mean weights of fetuses (p > 0.001) and placenta (p > 0.01) in the heat-stress group with a decrease in their serum progesterone levels (p > 0.01).

Heat-stress groups treated with high doses of α-tocopherol 200 and 400 mg / kg, showed protection against heat-stress related abnormalities.

The results showed that α-tocopherol plays a role in protection against hyperthermia induced changes in the estrous cycle length, infertility, post-implantation losses and depletion in the serum level of progesterone.