Effect of Chloramphenicol on Reproductive Function in Female Wistar Rats
This study was designed to investigate the effect of chloramphenicol on reproductive function in female Wistar rats. Fifteen female rats (120 – 160 g) were used for the estrous cycle and histopathological studies. Chloramphenicol (7.14 mg/kg) was administered orally on daily basis for 21 and 50 days respectively for the estrous cycle and histological studies. Estrous cycle was carried out using the technique of Marcondes et al., histologies of the ovaries and uteri were also carried out. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and student’s t-test at p=0.05. Treatment of rats for 21 days with chloramphenicol (7.14 mg/kg) produced significant (p<0.05) reductions in the proestrous and diestrous phases as well as a significant (p<0.05) increment in the estrous phase of the estrous cycle relative to their respective controls. The histopathological study presented with no visible lesions on the ovaries and uteri, but few endometrial glands have expanded lumen. It can therefore be concluded that chloramphenicol probably has pro-fertility as well as exhibits non-deleterious effects on the reproductive tissues of female Wistar rats.