Exposure to arsenic alters the reproductive axis on offspring rats

摘要

Arsenic is a natural environmental contaminant to which humans are continuously exposed. In some areas, high levels of arsenic are naturally present in drinking water and are a toxicologi-cal concern. Arsenic is also postulated as an endocrine disruptor, impacting the metabolic and reproductive axes. In this study, offspring Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to sodium arsenite (As(III)) from conception to adulthood. Neonatal assessment of pup weight, anogenital distance, vaginal opening and testicular descent was carried out, as well as the evaluation of the endocrine status in adulthood. Arsenic exposure determined reduced pup weight at birth in both sexes, which was followed by catch-up growth. Anogenital distance/body weight was decreased on postnatal day 1 in females. Adult females showed normal estrous cycles; nevertheless, they showed elevated serum testosterone and FSH. Therefore, early exposure to As(III) in drinking water alters the reproductive axis mainly in females.