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Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on the Reproductive Function in Female Rats

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on the reproductive function in female rats. Forty female Wistar (5 weeks old) rats, weighing 110–120 g, were divided randomly into four groups. They were orally administrated with 0, 64.18, 128.36, and 256.72 mg aluminum chloride (AlCl3) per kilogram body weight in drinking water for 120 days. Levels of Al, estrogen (E2), progestogen (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum were measured at the end of experiment. The results showed that levels of E2, P, FSH, and LH were significantly lower and Al concentration was significantly higher in all three Al-treated groups than those in the control group (GC). The level of T was significantly higher in the low- and medium-dose groups (GL and GM) (P < 0.05) but not in high-dose group (GH) compared with GC. The results suggest that the reproductive function of female rats is inhibited under long-term Al exposure in an Al dose-dependent manner.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from the Science and Technology Program of Heilongjiang Educational Bureau (12511028).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China

    Nan Wang, Yue She, Yanzhu Zhu, Hansong Zhao, Bing Shao, Hao Sun, Chongwei Hu & Yanfei Li

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  1. Nan Wang
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  2. Yue She
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  3. Yanzhu Zhu
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  4. Hansong Zhao
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  5. Bing Shao
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  6. Hao Sun
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  7. Chongwei Hu
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  8. Yanfei Li
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Correspondence to Yanfei Li.

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Wang, N., She, Y., Zhu, Y. et al. Effects of Subchronic Aluminum Exposure on the Reproductive Function in Female Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 145, 382–387 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-011-9200-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-011-9200-0

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