Effect of camphor on uterus histology of pregnant rats

Abstract EN

Camphor has long been used in dead bodies washed in Saudi Arabia.

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of camphor on the Sprague–Dawley pregnant rat uterus histology.

Pregnant rats (n = 36) were divided into 4 groups (n = 9) ; 3 groups were given intraperitoneal injection by different doses of water camphor solution (5, 10 and 20 mg camphor / kg body weight) ; the control group was given the same doses of distilled water.

All groups were kept in constant temperature rooms (22 ± 2 °C), and 12 h light / 12 h dark photoperiod.

At the end of 1, 2 and 3 weeks of gestation, 3 animals from each group were anesthetized, their uterus were removed for serial sections, and histological staining.

The results obtained show less uterus glands and degeneration of luminal epithelium in all groups.

Group 3 (20 mg camphor / kg b.

w.) showed a considerable dilated of the blood vessels with a bleeding; the luminal epithelium cells contains dark round nucleuses with abnormal mitosis ; large number of white blood cells and vacuolated cytoplasm.

The present study shows that camphor effects on female rat reproductive system may result in significant structural changes.

This can affect reproductive function and fertility of exposed animals.