Melatonin attenuates bisphenol A-induced toxicity of the adrenal gland of Wistar rats

This study investigated the role of melatonin (MLT) on adrenal gland toxicity induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Adult male rats were divided into four groups of seven animals each: Group I (control) received oral 0.2ml canola oil; group II received intra-peritoneal 10mg/kg BW/day MLT; and group III received oral BPA (10mg/kg BW/day). Group IV rats were treated with same dose of BPA as group III with a concomitant intra-peritoneal 10mg/kg BW/day MLT. All treatments lasted for 14days. BPA significantly increased (P<0.05) adrenal index, circulating levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the rats. BPA caused marked vascular congestion, hyperplasia, cellular distortion, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant enzymes, and decreased expression of Smooth muscle actin as well as vimentin proteins. The concomitant treatment with MLT ameliorated these BPA-induced alterations. It is likely that melatonin attenuates BPA-induced alterations of the adrenal gland of rats through the antioxidant defense mechanism.