Fertility Indices of Rats in Response to Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Administration

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of oral administration of DHEA on fertility indices in female rats. A total of 18 adult female rats 2.5-3.5 months old and weighting 200-250g were divided into three equal groups: G1-control received saline solution, G2- received 2mg DHEA /kg B.Wt orally and daily for 2 weeks prior to gestation. G3- received the same dose for two weeks prior and during gestation. The was a significant increase in fertility, gestation indeces of rats received DHEA for two weeks prior and during gestation. At the meantime, the gestation length, viability and lactating indeces were decreased in this group as compared with others. In conclusion, administration of DHEA at dose of 2 mg /kg B.Wt for 2 weeks prior to and during gestation seems to be safe as no abortion and fetal abnormalities were recorded.

Keywords: DHEA, Fertility indeces, rats.