Histological effects of the use of chewing tobacco during pregnancy on ovaries of the offspring of rats.

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to smokeless tobacco products (Nicotine) is associated
with the generation of reactive oxygen species, modulation of inflammatory mediators, inhibition of collagen synthesis and impairment of DNA repair capacity which
in some way may cause harmful effects on the ovaries of the offspring.
Objectives: To observe the effects of chewing tobacco on the gross morphological
and histological alterations on the ovaries of offspring’s rats.
Methodology: Twenty pregnant rats were divided in two groups: Group. A
(Control) 10 pregnant rats received normal diet and water ad libitum. Group. B
(Experimental) 10 pregnant rats received 5% tobacco mixed with normal feed and
water ad libitum. After 21 days, the female offspring of both control and experimental groups were sacrificed, ovaries removed and stained with H&E stains for
microscopic examination.
Results: The results clearly showed that smokeless tobacco consumption during
gestation reduces the weight and size of ovary along with the congested blood vessels, compact stroma and degenerative primordial follicles. Hence the practice of
chewing tobacco in mothers is directly related to the adverse effects in offspring
health and ovaries.

Key words: Chewing Tobacco, Offspring, Ovaries, Rats.