Effect of hexaconazole on reproductive performance of female rats

Triazole fungicides inhibit the biosynthesis of fungal ergosterol via inhibition of CYP450 dependent enzyme. The CYP450 enzymes are also found throughout the plant and animal kingdom and any interference in their synthesis will adversely affect important physiological functions in mammals. Hence, hexaconazole, a triazole fungicide, was studied for its effect on repductive performance in female rats. Hexaconazole was administered (either for 30days or ≥ 73days) per os @ 0.0, 27.5, 55.0 and 110mg/kg/day for four groups, each with 20 rats. In ten rats, estrous cycles were monitored for 15 days, beginning from 15 day after commencement of treatment. The rats that were used for estrus cycle monitoring were sacrificed after the study. The remaining ten rats continued to receive the treatment and on 30 day, they were allowed to mate with untreated male rats. Treatment was continued through out mating period, gestation period and postnatally until the end of lactation and weaning on day 21. Apart from estrus cyclicity, average litter size, average pup weight on postnatal day 21 and reproductive indices were studied. All rats were sacrificed at the end of treatment and serum estradiol and progesterone levels were assayed. It was observed that medium and high doses significantly reduced the estrus cyclicity, and serum estradiol and progesterone levels. A significant reduction in average litter size and weight was also observed. These doses also significantly affected various reproductive indices viz, fertility, parturition, gestation and viability indices. The study indicated the ability of hexaconazole to impair the mating and ovulatory processes along with fetotoxic potential in female rats.