Effect of the Treatment with Dexamethasone, for 10 and 15 Days, on the Fertility in Induced Rats to Polycystic Ovaries, by Constant Illumination

Abstract

SUMMARY:The present study had the objective of obtaining information about fertility in rats treated with dexamethasone for 10 and 15 days consecutively, to polycystic ovaries, induced by constant illumination. It was used 40 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus), aged 90 days, form the lineage Wistar, which were split, randomly, in four groups, each constituted of 10 animals, namely: Group I -rats kept in a clear/dark cycle for 12/12 hours, and after 100 days submitted to fertility evaluation (control); Group II -rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days and then submitted to fertility evaluation; Group III -rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days, then treated with dexamethasone for 10 days and submitted to fertility evaluation; Group IV -rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days, then treated with dexamethasone for 15 days and submitted to fertility evaluation. The results showed that the number of implanted sites was 38(G1), 37(G2), 32(G3) and 06(G4). The reduction in group IV was due to the high mortality during the experiment, probably because of the prolonged treatment with dexamethasone. These sites presented similar histological aspects. The macroscopic analysis of the neonates haven't shown any indication of malformation. Also, abortion haven't been observed. The treatment with dexamethasone for 10 days in rats does not affect the fertility and the development of the lungs, liver and kidneys of neonates, while the administration during 15 days leads to a high maternal mortality.