Ovarian Toxicity Following Subacute Oral Administration of Codeine in Albino Wistar Rats

This study was on Ovarian Toxicity Following Subacute Oral Administration of Codeine in Albino Wistar Rats. The objectives of the study include to investigate the effects of codeine on the histology of the ovarian follicles in adult albino Wistar rats at light microscopic level, to determine the effects of codeine on estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH blood levels, in female adult albino Wistar rats to ascertain the effects of codeine on estrous cycle in female albino rats and to evaluate the effects of codeine on body and ovaries weight ratio in adult albino Wistar rats. Data obtained were subjected and calculated for one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by student t-test. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Analyses of data were carried out using computer statistical software package SPSS version 20. All statement of differences was based on significance at p<0.05. Twenty female albino rats were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each, Groups 1, II, III and IV. Group I serve as the control group and they were given normal feed and water ad libitum for 28 days. Group II rats were administered codeine 30 mg/kg by orogastric intubation daily for 28 days in addition to normal feed and water ad libitum. Group III rats were administered codeine 60 mg/kg. Group IV rats were administered codeine 90 mg/kg. Ethical clearance was obtained from the animal ethical committee, Bayero University Kano for the study. Results from this study showed that there was a slight decrease in mean of initial-final body weights of the animals which was not significant. Body to ovarian weight ratio increased which was significant at doses of 60 and 90 mg/kg. Estrous cycle was extended between 5-6 days on an average. Estrogen, Progesterone, Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone blood levels did not show much variation when compared to control. The histopathology of the ovary showed mild and moderate focal degeneration of ovarian follicles undergoing process of ovulation, degeneration of the granulosa cells, loss of oocytes completely in most of the follicles, oocyte undergoing process of degeneration, degeneration of the connective tissue stroma focal oedema and also in some blood vessels.

Author(s): Muhammed S. Saleh and Yohana Ayuba

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