Exposure to beta-cypermethrin impairs the reproductive function of female mice

This study aimed to investigate the effects of beta-cypermethrin (beta-CYP) on female reproductive function and examine the morphology of the uterine endometrium and follicular development. The results found that the rate of successful pregnancy in the beta-CYP-treated groups significantly decreased. The levels of serum E-2 and FSH were significantly increased in the beta-CYP-treated groups. The concentrations of serum P and LH were significantly decreased in the beta-CYP-treated groups. The uterine endometrium was damaged and the endometrial pinopode was markedly inhibited. In addition, the total number of follicles of all types was significantly lower in the medium- and high-dose beta-CYP-treated groups. These results suggest that beta-CYP significantly affected the reproductive function of female mice. beta-CYP may have significantly decreased the fertility of female mice by disturbing the reproductive hormone concentrations and inhibiting the development of the endometrium and the endometrial pinopode.