Exposure to beta-cypermethrin impairs the reproductive function of female mice

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP) on female reproductive function and examine the morphology of the uterine endometrium and follicular development. The results found that the rate of successful pregnancy in the β-CYP-treated groups significantly decreased. The levels of serum E₂ and FSH were significantly increased in the β-CYP-treated groups. The concentrations of serum P and LH were significantly decreased in the β-CYP-treated groups. The uterine endometrium was damaged and the endometrial pinopode was markedly inhibited. In addition, the total number of follicles of all types was significantly lower in the medium- and high-dose β-CYP-treated groups. These results suggest that β-CYP significantly affected the reproductive function of female mice. β-CYP may have significantly decreased the fertility of female mice by disturbing the reproductive hormone concentrations and inhibiting the development of the endometrium and the endometrial pinopode.

Keywords: Beta-cypermethrin; Female reproductive function; Mice.