HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF ENDOSULFAN EFFECTS ON FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT OF BALB/C MICE

Abstract

roscopically and microscopically. In the endosulfan-treated group no significant alteration in the relative weight of ovary was observed when compared with both peanut oil and control groups. Significant decreases in the number of primordial, primary, growing, and Graafian follicles, corpus luteum and increased number of atretic follicles were observed vs peanut oil-treated and control groups (P<0.05). The diameters of the Graafian follicles and their oocytes, and theca and granulosa cell layers were decreased in the endosulfan group when compared with peanut oil treated and untreated groups (P<0.05). Endosulfan-induced reduction in ovarian size in mice was associated with a decrease in healthy ovarian follicles and corpora lutea and an increase in atretic follicles.