Phosphamidon induced effects on estrous cycle, ovarian, and uterine biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice

Phosphamidon is chemically known as phosphoric acid, 2-chloro-2-diethyl carboryl-methylvenyl-0-0-dimethyl phosphate. It is a systemic and contact insecticide with broad spectrum of activity. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate its effects on estrous cycle, ovarian, and uterine biochemical contents in albino mice. Normal virgin female Swiss albino mice of 90 days old and weighing about 20–30 g were divided into five groups. Phosphamidon was orally administered at doses 1.3, 2.6, 3.9, and 5.2 mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days consecutively. The vaginal smear and body weight were recorded daily and mice were sacrificed on 31st day. Estrous cycle was affected by showing a significant decrease in the number of estrous cycle and duration of proestrus, estrus, and metestrus in all the groups except in 1.3 mg/kg body weight/day phosphamidon treated group, and with concomitant increase in the duration of diestrus in all the treated groups. However there is a significant decrease in the body weight in all the groups except 1.3 mg/kg body weight/ day phosphamidon treated group. The deleterious effects were also reflected in the loss of weights of ovary and uterus: In mice treated with 2.6, 3.9, and 5.2 mg/kg phosphamidon showed a significant decrease in total protein and glycogen in the ovary and uterus. The response of the ovary and uterus for nucleic acid (DNA) content was significantly decreased in higher doses. The observed effects of phosphamidon may be due to imbalance in the hormone or toxic effects.