Abstract

Mukti Mondal*, Nibedita Mondal, Satinath Singha and Pinaki Samanta

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study was to examine the probable toxic effect of melamine on female reproductive system functions in rat. Melamine is white colour crystalline nitrogen rich organic base. It is soluble in water and used in organic synthesis and in manufacture of resins. It is commonly used in a variety of common consumer products, such as laminates, resins, adhesives, glues, plywood packaging, floorings, plastics molding compounds, paint pigment, furniture, food packaging, dinnerwares and food utensils. The toxic effect of melamine on different bodily system has been reported but the harmful effect of melamine on female reproductive system has not been reported till to date. In our study, we observed significant changes in duration and cellular characteristics of estrous phases, body weight and organ (uterus and ovary) weight parameters, uterine smooth muscle contraction and histological changes of ovary and uterus of melamine exposed groups of rat compared to control group of rats. From these results, it may be concluded that melamine impairs the female reproductive system functions in rat by impairing the normal physiological set point.