Morphometric analysis of the female reproductive tract: influence of long-term inhalation of trace amounts of sevoflurane.

Sevoflurane is extensively employed as an inhalation anesthetic in medical practices, due to its promising pharmacokinetics. Conversely, the data regarding effects of prolonged exposure to trace amounts of sevoflurane on the female reproductive system is obscure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanism of long-term sevoflurane inhalation in female rats. A total 60 SPF grade SD female rats were randomly alienated into four equal groups as control group (A), 50 ppm sevoflurane group (B), 150 ppm sevoflurane group (C), and 300 ppm sevoflurane groups (D). Ovaries and uterine organs were collected for gross as well as histopathological analysis, western blotting, and immuno-histochemistry evaluation. Results revealed that pregnancy rate, number of fetuses (fetal mice) and general body weight of group B, C, and D were substantially lower (P < 0.05), while were compared with control. On the contrary, estrous period in groups B, C, D was shortened noticeably (P < 0.05), and estrus interval and cycle were significantly longer (P < 0.05). In fact, the ovarian and uterine coefficients of group B, C and D were significantly reduced as compared with control. However, ovarian and uterine histomorphology remained normal in control group, while obvious pathological alterations were detected in groups B, C, and D. Although, the expression of SOD protein in the ovarian and uterine tissues of groups B, C, and D was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), in contrast to group A. However, the MDA protein expression increased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared with group A. While expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl2 and Bax) and humoral immunity related genes (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) showed highest elevation in groups exposure with sevoflurane (p < 0.001) in comparison to control. Conclusively, long-term inhalation of trace amounts of sevoflurane is toxic to female reproductive system and can severely affect reproductive organs and fertility by induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis.