Effect of nickel sulfate on gonad of female rats

  Objective   To study the toxic effects of nickel sulfate on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis of female rats.

  Methods   Wisth female rats were given by abdomen with different doses of nickel sulfate(5.00, 2.50, 1.25 mg/kg)for 21 days and the estrus cycle of rats was observed, the changes of Ni levels in vagina, uterus, ovary and hypophysis were measured, respectively.The GnRH-stimulating test were carried in rats, with the serum FSH, LH, P and E₂ determined before the injection of GnRH and the serum FSH, LH determined after the injection of GnRH finally the super-ovulation test was done.

  Results   The Ni contents in the vagina, uterus and ovary of the 5.00, 2.50mg/kg rats were higher than in the control(P < 0.01).The Ni contents in the uterus and ovary of the 1.25mg/kg rats were higher than in the control(P < 0.05);before the injection of GnRH, the levels of FSH and LH were higher than in the control(P < 0.01), but there were no significant difference of serum FSH and LH between groups after the injection of GnRH; The levels of serum E₂, P of the 5.00 2.50 mg/kg rats were lower than in the control(P < 0.05 orP < 0.01); There was significant difference of the amoount of ova between the 5.00mg/kg group and the control group in the super-ovulation test.

  Conclusion   The ovary of the female rats were damaged by nickel sulfate given by abdomen.