HISTOLOGICAL-CHANGES IN THE OVARIES OF RABBITS AFTER AN ADMINISTRATION OF CADMIUM

The effects of cadmium on the ovaries of 24 rabbits were studied by li ght microscopy with morphometry. Cadmium was applied i.p. to group A ( 1.5 mg/kg body weight), p.o. to group B (1.0 mg/kg body weight) for a 5-month period, and also p.o. (1.0 mg/kg body weight) for a 5-month pe riod of application, followed by a 7-month cessation of application fo r group C. All experimental groups were compared to a control group, a s well as to other experimental groups. With regard to the number of f ollicles, the lowest number of primary follicles was found after i.p. administration of cadmium. Significantly lower numbers of follicles wi th less than two layers of granulosa cells were found in groups A and C, in comparison with group B, and the number of follicles with more t han two layers of granulosa cells was significantly lower in group C i n comparison with group B. The same results were observed in antral fo llicles. The number of atretic follicles was significantly higher in a ll groups with an administration of cadmium (p < 0.05). The diameter o f the follicles was significantly lower in the primary follicles of gr oup C in comparison with the control group. Percentual content of grow ing follicles was significantly higher and of stroma significantly low er (p < 0.001) in the control group in comparison with all experimenta l groups receiving an administration of cadmium.