Rhodamine B increases hypothalamic cell apoptosis and disrupts hormonal balance in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate whether orally exposure to rhodamine B could be changes the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 of the hypothalamic, and also levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in female rats.MethodsTwenty eight virgin female Wistar rats were divided into four groups, including control group, group exposed to dose of 4.5, 9 and 18 milligram/200 gram body weight (mg/200 g BW) of rhodamine B daily for 36 days. The hypothalamic expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were examined immunohistochemically. The levels of serum FSH and LH were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.ResultsThe level of Bax was significantly higher in the rhodamine B treatment group compred to control group (P<0.05). Out of the 4.5, 9, and 18 mg/200 g BW doses of rhodamine B treatment, only the two highest doses significantly decreased the Bcl-2 levels compared to the control group (P<0.05). The serum FSH and LH levels were significantly lower in all dose's rhodamine B treatment groups compared with the control (P<0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, rhodamine B increases hypothalamic cell apoptosis and disrupts hormonal balance in rats.