[Effects on endocrine system of female rats exposed to chronic arsenic].

Objective: To study the effect on endocrine system of female rats exposed to chronic arsenic.

Methods: 50 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 microg/ml arsenic groups. The hormone levels were determined by RIA exposing arsenic for 32 weeks.

Results: The hormone levels of female rats were disorder in different arsenic groups. E2, P level increased and LH level decreased in arsenic groups compared to controls, but there were no significant differences( P > 0.05). FSH and PRL level increased in low arsenic group and decreased in high arsenic groups (P > 0.05). GnRH and Cort level increased in arsenic groups, and GnRH level obviously increased in 0.4 microg/ml group and Cort level obviously increased in 0.1 and 0.4 microg/ml groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The hormone levels were disordered in rats exposed to chronic arsenic.