Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on the Endometrium of Albino Rats: a Histological and an Immuno-histochemical Study

Aim of the work: bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic monomer that is polymerized to manufacture polycarbonate plastic products and resins, including those used in food packaging and dental sealants. It is used in the manufacture of a great variety of products including: compact disks, food can linings, plastic windows, car parts, adhesives, protective coatings and powder paints. This work aimed to study the effect of prenatal exposure to BPA on the endometrium of female rats. Materials and methods: thirty adult female albino rats were divided into three groups: rats in group 1 served as a control (G1) and received an equal amount of sesame oil to those of the treated groups; those in group 2 (G2) were administered by gavage 5.0 μg BPA/kg/day (low-dose group); the third group (G3) re­ceived 50 μg BPA/kg/day (high-dose group). The female offspring of each group were weaned at day 21 and maintained until 3 months old. The uteri were dissected for the histological and immuno-histochemical examination. Results: low-dose group showed degeneration of the epithelial lining of the endometrium with focal pat­ches of increased epithelial cell layers. The high dose group revealed cytoplasmic hydropic degeneration and pyknotic nuclei of the epithelial cells. Estrogen receptors showed a significant decrease of positive cells in low dose treated group and this decrease markedly accentuated in the high dose one. Positive nuclei for Ki-67 were markedly increased with increasing doses of BPA. Conclusion: BPA showed obvious endometrial degenerative and proliferative histological changes. Therefore, the use of this substance in food packaging materials and in the manufacture of substances liable to come into contact with food and drink should be phased out.