The influence of human chorionic gonadotropin on hormonal and haematological profile of postpubertal male albino rats exposed to chronic oral administration of alcohol

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of human chorionic gonadotropin on hormonal and haematological profile of postpubertal male albino rats exposed to chronic oral administration of alcohol. Twenty-four mature male albino rats were assigned to four groups (n=6). Group A was the control, given distilled water, Group B was given 30% ethanol (8 ml/kg) orally 3 times a week, Group C was given human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG) (50 IU/kg) subcutaneously 3 times a week and Group D was given HcG (50 IU/kg) subcutaneously + 30% ethanol (8 ml/kg) orally 3 times a week. The study was for 10 weeks, and hormonal profile and haematology were determined. The follicle stimulating hormone of Group B decreased significantly (P<0.05) when compared to Groups A, C and D. The luteinizing hormone was significantly lower (P<0.05) in Group B when compared to Groups A, C and D. The testosterone level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Group D when compared to Groups A, B and C. The results obtained from haematology indicated that haemoglobin concentration of Group B was significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared to Groups A, C and D. Ethanol significantly reduced (P<0.05) platelets when compared to Groups A, C and D. There was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the neutrophils and lymphocytes in Group B when compared to Groups A, C and D. The study showed that HcG improves the level of male hormones and haematology in postpubertal albino rats exposed to chronic alcohol administration.

Keywords

• ethanol; haematology; HcG; hormones; male; rats