Background : Toxicological consequences arising from exposure to mixtures of heavy metals especially at low, chronic
and environmentally relevant doses are poorly recognised. In the present study, we evaluated effects of chronic exposure
to combinations of three metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) present frequently in drinking water on
reproductive function and oxidative damage caused to reproductive organs of female rats. Method : Female rats were
exposed to mixture of metals (As, Cdand Pb) for 90 consecutive days. The gain in body weight and weight of reproductive
organs were recorded following autopsy on 91 stday. The oestrus cycle were monitored during entire treatment period.
Numbers of corpora lutea, implantation sites, live fetus and survival of the fetus were evaluated in rats mated successfully
with untreated male after completion of their respective treatment. Ovarian cholesterol, protein, ascorbic acid and enzyme
Δ 5 -3β HSD levels were estimated. Serum levels of steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone were estimated.
Histopathological picture of both ovary and uterus were assessed. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),
glutathione peroxidise (GPX) activity, amount of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondyaldehyde (MDA) in blood, ovary
and uterus were measured as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Results : The treated rats showed reduced body weight gain
and reduction in the weight of ovary and uterus. Oestrus cycle was disrupted with continuous diestrous in treated animals.
Number of corpora lutea, implantation sites and live fetus and the survival of fetus evaluate were reduced significantly in
treated groups. The levels of ovarian cholesterol and ascorbic acid increased in treated rats with decrease Δ5
-3β HSD level. There was reduction in serum level of both the ovarian steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The protein levels
did not differ between the groups. There was a significant increase in levels of MDA and decrease in levels of all the
antioxidant enzymes in treated group. Conclusion : The results revealed there was disruption to reproductive functions with
decrease in stereoidogenic activity and associated oxidative stress in female rats treated with combination of mixture of
metals (Cd, As and Pb) at low dose for 90 consecutive days.
Failed prey or peculiar necrolysis? Isolated ammonite soft body from the Late Jurassic of Eichstätt (Germany) with complete digestive tract and male reproductive organs
