Antifertility Potential of Isoniazid and Rifampicin in Adult Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of INH and RIF on the reproductive functions of adult female Wistar rats. Twenty-eight adult female Wistar rats weighing between 160 g and 170 g were divided into four groups. Group A served as the control. Group B was given 5 mg/kg body weight of INH. Group C animals was given 10 mg/kg body weight of RIF. Group D animals received a combination of 5 mg/kg body weight of INH and 10 mg/kg body weight of RIF. Duration of treatment was 90 days and via oral route. Histological findings showed that INH and RIF caused histopathologic changes in the ovary and uterus. Compared with the control, the ovarian SOD was significantly elevated in all the treated groups. Ovarian MDA, CAT and GPx activities were significantly elevated in INH-only treated group. FSH was significantly elevated in RIF-only and INH and RIF co-treated groups. LH was significantly elevated in all the groups. Progesterone level was significantly reduced in INH-only and INH and RIF co-treated groups. Estradiol level was significantly elevated in RIF-only and INH and RIF co-treated groups. Testosterone level was significantly elevated in INH-only treated group. Prolactin level was significantly reduced in all the groups while testosterone:estradiol ratio was significantly elevated in INH-only treated group but significantly reduced in INH and RIF co-treated group. In conclusion, administration of INH and RIF caused toxicity in the female reproductive system.