Effect of dexamethasone administration on gonadal-fertility functions in female albino rats

INTRODUCTION: dexamethasone is misused for skin whitening with broad effects on steroidogenesis and ovarian functions. Here in we investigated the impact of dexamethasone administration on gonadotropin Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), prolactin, and ovarian tissues in albino rats. METHODS: in the experimental study, 36 female albino rats weighting (140-162 g) were divided into three groups: control, normal dose received dexamethasone (8.3 μg/kg/day) and high dose (24.9 μg/kg/day), for 30 and 60 days. follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin (PRL) were measured. Histological ovarian sections were examined. RESULTS: luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin significantly increased (p-value < 0.05) following dexamethasone treatment compared to control. The ovary sections showed degenerative tissue with necrosis of the Graafian follicles, stromal fibrosis, and vacuolation of the interstitial cells. CONCLUSION: the study concludes that dexamethasone administration has a potentially adverse effect on gonadotropin, prolactin, and ovarian follicle cells in female albino rats.