Influence of α-Tocopherol on Heat Stress-Induced Changes in the Reproductive Function of Swiss Albino Mice

The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) on heat stress-induced changes in the reproduction of Swiss albino mice. The evaluated parameters include: the estrous cycle, fertility, post-implantation losses of fetuses and estimation of progesterone levels in the serum. Eight groups of experimental mice (10 each) were used. Groups 1-4 (24 ˚C) consisted of a control and α-tocopherol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups. Groups 5-8 (42 ˚C) consisted of a positive control and α-tocopherol (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) treated group. Heat-stress reduced significantly (p 0.001) the number of fetuses and corpora lutea. There was also a significant decrease in the mean weights of fetuses (p 0.001) and placenta (p 0.01) in the heat-stress group with a decrease in their serum progesterone levels (p 0.01). Heat-stress groups treated with high doses of α-tocopherol 200 and 400 mg/kg, showed protection against heat-stress related abnormalities. The results showed that α-tocopherol plays a role in protection against hyperthermia induced changes in the estrous cycle length, infertility, post-implantation losses and depletion in the serum level of progesterone.