Impact of Different Concentrations of Retinoic Acid on Reproductive Organs of Pregnant Swiss Albino Mice: A Histological Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Retinoic acid (RA), the oxidative metabolite of vitamin A, is an important mediator of female reproduction. involved in processes ranging from triggering meiosis initiation within the mammalian fetal ovary to supporting implantation of the fertilized embryo into the endometrium. Tissue levels of RA are maintained via tightly controlled metabolizing enzymes, transport proteins, and the presence of signaling pathway components such as retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR). Aim of the Work: To study the histological effects of RA on the ovary and uterus during pregnancy in Swiss albino mice at different dose levels. Materials and methods: 45 pregnant female albino mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=15): Group 1 (control) received olive oil, while Groups 2 and 3 received RA at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg b.w., respectively, orally, once daily on gestational days 7, 8, and 9. Ovarian follicular counts and histological examination of the ovary and uterus were performed. Results: RA treatment caused a dose-dependent effect on ovarian and uterine tissues. Ovarian follicle counts decreased significantly with histological evidence of follicular degeneration, pyknotic and vacuolated granulosa cells, atresia, epithelial/stromal hyperplasia, and fatty infiltration. Uterine sections showed enlarged uterine lumen and increased number and size of endometrial glands, epithelial hyperplasia, stromal hypercellularity, edema, inflammation, fibrosis, vascular congestion, cellular disorganization, and marked structural alterations in ovarian and uterine tissues. Conclusion: Present data link RA exposure to adverse effects on ovarian function and uterine structure, suggesting that RA can adversely affect adult female reproductive tissues.
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222901481