8. Effect of 1,4-dioxane on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) reproductive hormonal level and histopathology of testes and ovaries

Abstract

In this study, 1,4-dioxane carcinogenicity and chronic toxicity on reproductive hormones was studied along with the histology(Sections) of testis and ovaries of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus ). 1,4-dioxane 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg per kilogram of body weight concentrations were given continuously to rabbits for period of 45 days. Increase in dose concentration lead to significant decrease in testosterone levels in males, and progesterone and estrogen levels in females. Histological alterations in testes and ovaries of rabbits were studied on 15^th, 30^th and 45^th days of treatment. No significant gonadal or hormonal change was observed on 15^th day. However, tissue damage, rupturing and necrosis in gonads and significant decrease in hormone level were observed after 30^th day (p<0.05). Damage as necrosis, cellular coagulation, tumors and hemorrhage was the most severe on 45^th day of study and Significant results were observed (p<0.05). This study concludes that 1,4-dioxane used in research work is histologically damaging to rabbit testes and ovaries and leads to reproductive complications. Therefore its use in various products should be discourage at commercial level.

Keywords: 1,4-dioxane; ELISA; Hemorrhage; Histopathology; IBM21; Necrosis; Rabbits; Tissue damage; Tumors

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.70058