An experimental study of the influences of tobacco smoke on fertility and reproduction

Abstract

<jats:p> 1 The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological influence of tobacco smoke on fertility and reproduction of Wistar female rats. The influence of tobacco smoke from the Polish ‘Popularne’ cigarette brand was studied. The experiment was conducted on three generations of animals, each generation having two litters. The initial number of animals of the parent generation FO was 192 (128 females and 64 males). Animals were passively exposed to tobacco smoke in three different concentrations based on the content of carbon monoxide (500, 1000 and 1500 mg of CO per cubic meter of air). Animals were exposed to tobacco smoke for 6 h a day, 5 days a week, during 11 weeks. 2 The analysis of indices of mating and fertility revealed the decrease in those indices with animals exposed to tobacco smoke. We also observed an increased number of mothers breading among animals exposed to tobacco smoke. In animals exposed to tobacco smoke, the dose-effect or dose-response dependencies for mating, fertility and delivery indices were found. There was no influence of tobacco smoke on the duration of pregnancy. 3 Tobacco smoke inhalation caused increased levels of carboxyhaemoglobin. 4 Tobacco smoke did not change the duration of pregnancy in rats. </jats:p>

Morphological changes in lungs, placenta, liver and kidneys of pregnant rats exposed to cigarette smoke

“…These parameters and indices were close to those published earlier [14,15] but not statistically significant (data not presented).…”

“…Moreover, numerous hydrophobic toxic compounds, and also nicotine and CO, reach the placenta, and get through the maternal-foetal blood barrier resulting in an increased number of perinatal deaths through direct action on the foetal organs [14,15]. Despite there being no histopathological changes within foetal and newborn rat lungs after 3 weeks of maternal exposure to cigarette smoke, some attention should be paid to the fact that in the perinatal period, the lungs of the foetus and newborn offspring are particularly at risk of damages from cigarette smoke compounds, which limit the oxygen supply within maternal and foetus organs [4,20].…”

“…A dynamic toxicological chamber connected with a smoke generation system was used for passive smoke exposition. This dosage system was described in detail earlier [14].…”

“…Some previous studies in humans showed a direct relationship between some carcinomas and cigarette smoke [33,34]. During pregnancy, lipophilic compounds can cross the placenta, reach the foetal tissues and disturb development of progeny [14]. Changes observed morphometrically may result from active metabolite action, as well as from free radicals, heavy metals and such tobacco smoke components as carbon monoxide and nicotine, which may strengthen tissue ischaemia.…”

Tobacco smoke-dependent changes in cytochrome�P450 1A1, 1A2, and 2E1 protein expressions in fetuses, newborns, pregnant rats, and human placenta

“…The duration of exposure corresponded to the duration of pregnancy. A dynamic toxicological chamber used for passive smoke exposure was described in detail earlier (Florek and Marszaek 1999). The CO content (±15%), oxygen level (about 21%), rate of air flow through the chamber (0.6 m 3 /h), and temperature inside the chamber (23±1°C) were continuously monitored.…”