Effects of Oral Administration of Nicotine on Sex Hormone Concentrations of Adult Albino Rats

Abstract

Nicotine is an additive alkaloid component of the cigarette smoke. Principal sex hormones are testosterone and estrogen. This study is undertaken to investigate the effect of oral administration of nicotine on the sex hormone concentrations in an animal model. 30 adult albino rats weighing between 180-200g were divided into three groups. Group A (control) consisted of 10 rats (5 males and 5 females) and received normal rat chow and water. Group B comprised 10 female rats and received 1.0mg/kg body weight of nicotine. Group C comprised 10 male rats and received 1.0mg/kg body weight of nicotine. The study lasted for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and plasma levels of testosterone and estradiol were determined by enzyme immune assay procedure. The result showed a significant decrease in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels in Groups B and C respectively. The result suggests that nicotine has a negative effect on the plasma concentrations of sex hormones of adult albino rats.