Histoprotective Potential of Vitamin C on the Uteri of Female Albino Rats Administered Oral Contraceptive

Abstract

Background: Postinor-2 is a widely used oral emergency contraceptive that plays a crucial role in preventing unintended pregnancies among women of reproductive age. However, repeated use of Postinor-2 has been associated with toxicity and adverse effects on the female reproductive system. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, has been proposed to protect tissues from oxidative damage. Its capacity to mitigate Postinor-2 induced uterine alterations remains unclear, highlighting the need for further investigation into its histoprotective potential on the uterus. Aim: To assess the histoprotective potential of vitamin C against Postinor-2 induced uterine alterations in female albino rats. Methodology: Fifteen female albino rats, approximately 10 weeks old with an average body weight of 120 ± 1.50 g, were randomly placed into three groups: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (Postinor-2), and Group 3 (Postinor-2 + vitamin C). Group 1 received no treatment. Group 2 was administered Postinor-2 solution at a dose of 1.56 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days, while Group 3 received the same dose of Postinor-2 in combination with vitamin C solution at 333.3 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days. All treatments were administered orally. At the end of the treatment period, the uteri were harvested from the experimental rats, rinsed in normal saline, and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 hours. The tissues were then processed manually using manual tissue processor, sectioned using a microtome, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological examination. Results: Histological examinations revealed that rats in group 2 exhibited thin endometrial with glandular epithelial hyperplasia and cystic glands, indicative of uterine alterations. While rats, in group 3 displayed thick endometrial with less glandular epithelial hyperplasia and cystic glands compared to group 2 rats. Conclusion: The study concludes that Postinor-2 administration, adversely affected the uterine structure of female albino rats, whereas Vitamin C demonstrated histoprotective effects.