Abstract
Background: Gonadotropin is the most important hormones controls reproductive activity and thus regulates the activity of the gonads. One of the aspects of hormone disorders which caused by lead is its effect on the gonads and it leads to reproductive hormone imbalance and fertility reduction. This study aimed to investigate the effect of parsley’s leaf extract (Petroselinum crispum) on serum levels of gonadotropin and testosterone hormones in male rats which have received lead acetate.
Methods: In this study, 36 male Wistar rats that were divided into six groups: control group, witness group, receiving lead acetate, group six receiving distilled water with 150 mg/kg dose, the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 treated with lead acetate concentrations of 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg and received parsley’s extract in 8 days by daily intra-peritoneal injection. After 28 days, animals were weighted and blood samples were taken from them. Serum concentrations were measured using ELISA method.
Results: Lead acetate increased serum levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH, respectively. Increasing dose of parsley’s extract leads to decrease serum levels of LH and FSH (P<0.001) while the opposite occurred for serum testosterone levels.
Conclusion: Parsley effect on gonadotropin hormones and testosterone in male rats receiving lead acetate is justified.