Effect of Oral Applied Lead Acetate on the Expression of Caspase-3 on Antral Granulosa Cells and Histopathology of Ovary in Female Wistar Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) Ovaries

Background: Lead exposure affects several human organs, including the reproductive organ. Aims: This research aims to prove the effect of oral applied lead acetate on the expression of caspase-3 in antral granulosa cells, the diameter of the tertiary follicle, and the amount of follicle atresia inside ovaries. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) are classified into 4 groups. Group 1 consists of 6 rats acting as control groups. Group 2, 3, and 4 each consist of 6 rats receiving daily oral lead acetate of 30 ppm, 100 ppm, and 300 ppm in dose, respectively. The experiment will be conducted in 30 days. The rats are then dissected, and the weight of ovaries are measured. The expression of caspase-3 is assessed using immunohistochemistry, while the diameter of tertiary follicles and the amount of follicle atresia are both observed using Hematoxylin-Eosin stain. Results: Oral administration of lead acetate significantly decreased the weight of ovaries. Oral exposure of lead enhances the expression of caspase-3 in antral granulosa cells of all experiment groups, especially in the 300 ppm group. It significantly shrinks tertiary follicles' diameter in rats' ovaries to 100 ppm and 300 ppm groups. It also increases the amount of follicle atresia in the 300 ppm group. Conclusion: Oral exposure of lead enhances the expression of caspase 3 in antral granulosa cells at 300 ppm, shrinks the diameter of tertiary follicles at 100 ppm and 300 ppm doses, and increases the amount of follicle atresia at 300 ppm dose.