Ovarian steroidogenesis and development of fetuses following ochratoxin A treatment in pregnant rats.

Administration of ochratoxin A to pregnant rats from 6 to 12 days of gestation period, resulted in complete resorption of fetuses. On histological examination luteal degeneration was observed along with reduction in the weight of corpus luteum (mg/100 mg ovarian tissue) and pituitary gland. The enzyme delta 5-3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (delta 5-3 beta-OHD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were demonstrated histochemically in the ovary of pregnant rats. The activities of the enzymes were suppressed significantly in ochratoxin A treated rats. The same treatment also resulted in an accumulation of cholesterol and ascorbic acid in the ovary. Based on these results, it is suggested that resorption of fetuses in ochratoxin A treated rats may be related with a diminution in ovarian steroidogenesis possibly due to reduction in pituitary gonadotrophin secretion.