Histological and Hormonal Studies of the Effect of Wheat-Based Diet (Triticum Aestivium L) on the Ovaries of Adult Sprague-Dawley Rats

Background: The public is familiar with wheat as a common dietary source. It is undeniable that wheat contributes to the nourishment of both humans and animals. Objectives: This study looked at the effects of wheat-based diets on the histology of the ovary and the female reproductive hormones. Materials and Methods: Fifteen mature female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this investigation; they were divided into three groups (A-C), each with five rats. For four weeks, the animals in groups A to C received the following diets; group A had regular rat chow, group B was fed a diet made entirely of wheat (100%), groups C were fed 60% wheat (60g of wheat mixed with 40g of rat chow). The levels of follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones, estrogen and prolactin were assessed using hormonal tests. The ovary was carefully dissected out and quickly fixed in 10% formal saline for routine histological study after the H&E method. Results: Comparing the wheat-based diet groups to the control, there was a significant increase (P˃0.05) in body weight. However, there was no difference in the ovarian weights. The follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and estrogen levels were unaffected by the wheat-based diets, except prolactin levels that increased in the 100% wheat diet group B. There was no histological changes observed in the ovary of the wheat groups; as follicles at different stages of development, corpora luteum and few cytoplasmic vacuoles are present. Conclusion: The research indicated that a diet high in wheat should be consumed in moderation.