Histological and biochemical changes in ovaries of adult Wistar rats following exposure to risperidone

Abstract

Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug used in the management of certain borderline personality and conduct disorders. This study evaluated the histomorphological and biochemical changes in ovaries of adult Wistar rats following the administration of risperidone. Fifteen adult Wistar rats weighing between 130 - 180g were independently assigned into three groups. Group A was the control given unlimited access to food and water. Risperidone was administered as follows to Groups B and C (2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) per body weight, respectively. After the experimental period, the ovaries were harvested and processed for biochemical and histological examination. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences in mean, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Group B rats (2.5 mg/kg of risperidone) showed normal ovarian microstructure, with follicles at various stages of maturity. Group C (5 mg/kg of risperidone) also showed similar tissue composition but with mild to moderate changes notably evidence of cellular injury, including congested blood vessels, white blood cell infiltration, and lymphatics. Biochemical assay of antioxidant activity showed significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) with proportionate increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration at higher doses, indicating oxidative stress. Risperidone administration could be deleterious to the ovaries as it might induce cellular damage via oxidative stress.