Effects of Crude Aqueous Extract of Origanum vulgaris in Developing Ovary of Rabbits Following in Utero, Adolescent, and Postpubertal Exposure

Abstract

We evaluated the impact on rabbits after having been treated with Origanum vulgaris (Lamiaceae) (OV) at a dose level known to adversely affect ovarian functions in rodents without causing systemic toxicity. The choice of rabbits has been guided by the fact that rabbits have a relatively long phase of reproductive development and hence simulation of reproductive development is better as opposed to dealing with rodents. The use of rabbits facilitates multiple evaluations of mating ability. An attempt has also been made at determining whether OV affected ovarian development and hence the use of animal model. Rabbits were exposed to 80 mg OV/kg/day in utero (gestation days [GD] 0 to23) or during adolescence (postnatal weeks [PNW] 4 by breast feeding  and orally from 4w to 12 w), and the offspring were examined at the end of the 12 W period. Another group was treated after puberty (for 12 weeks) till age of 24 [PNW] of age and examined at the conclusion of exposure and follicles were categorized as primordial, primary, small preantral, large preantral or small antral follicles. The most pronounced reproductive effects were in female rabbits group which had been exposed from in utero till post-puberty period, in weights of ovaries (at 12 and 24 weeks, down 23%; p < 0.05). Serum Gonadotropin levels were down (at 24 weeks, 32%; p < 0.05); a slight increase in histological alterations of the ovaries (p < 0.05) at 24 weeks, of abnormal follicles;