Estrogenic effect of orthopedic DDT on the female genital organs of mice

ABSTRACT

Insecticide DDT [an organochlorine compound] has been used excessively and widely all over the world. It was shown that orthopedic DDT [o-p'-DDT] a major constituent of technical grade preparation of the pesticide- DDT exhibited estrogenic activity in several animals species [Welch et al., 1969 and Bitman et al., 1968]. The aim of this work is to study the estrogenic effects of o-p'-DDT on the female reproductive organs [ovary, uterus and vagina] of mice in its neonatal period. In this study fifty of newly-born female mice were used and divided into five groups; three groups of them were received ten intraperitoneal injections of o-p'- DDT in doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/injection. The study included two control groups, the first one was injected with 10 ugm estrogen for 10 injections and considered as positive control, while the second group injected with sesame oil only. The animals were scarified 2 days after the last injection. Paraffin and frozen sections were prepared for both histological and histochemical studies. Different staining techniques were used including Hx., E., modified gomori stain for alkaline phosphatase enzyme, methyl green pyronin for RNA and PAS stain for glycogen content. The results showed a distinct increase in number and size of ovarian growing follicles in those animals treated with o-p'-DDT, also, increased activity of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme, as well as increased content of RNA and glycogen was noticed. The effect of o-p'-DDT on the uterine structure were in the form of hypertrophy of the endometrial epithelium, also increase in number of uterine glands. Marked increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase enzyme and also in RNA content as well as glycogen deposition. It was noticed also that high dose of o-p'-DDT leads to accelerated development of the vaginal epithelium with evidence of keratinization. The histochemical changes in the vagina were similar to those obtained in the uterus. It can be finally concluded that the obtained results after use of o-p'-DDT were similar to those obtained by estrogen, and this may interfere with implantation of ova and pregnancy