THE EFFECT OF A BLUEBERRY EXTRACT ON THE REPRODUCTIVE (GENERATIVE) FUNCTION OF FEMALE RATS

The study aims to analyze the possible negative effect of a blueberry extract on the reproductive (generative) function of female rats at different stages of reproduction (gametogenesis; sexual behavior; maturation, quality and transport of germ cells; ability to conceive and fertilize). Material and methods. In the course of the study, a polyphenolic ethanol and distilled water solution of extracts of wild blueberry was produced. The gonadotoxicity
of the extract was carried out at the maximum therapeutic dose (50-70 mg/kg of polyphenols, i.e. 0.5 ml/rat intragastrically). The experiments ran in two stages: the first stage was to assess the effect of the drug on the sexual
cycle of females and the state of the reproductive organs; the second stage was to study the ability to fertilize and conceive. The experiments were carried out on a total of 40 female rats: 20 female rats both in the trial and in the
control groups. After female rats were injected with the blueberry extract for 15 days, male rats were paired up with them for a period of 2 estrous cycles (10 days). All the groups were divided into two subgroups. Orthothanasia of
female rats was carried out by an overdose of CO2. Autopsy of one subgroup of females was performed on the 20th day of pregnancy, while the second subgroup was left to give birth. The offsprings were observed for 1 month,
with the general physical condition and behavior, weight dynamics and death of the rat pups recorded. The levels of pre- and post-implantation mortality were determined. The fertility index was calculated to assess the ability
to fertilize and conceive. The statistical processing of the results was obtained using such programs as Microsoft Excel, STATISTICA 10. Results. The obtained data indicates that there is neither negative effect on the reproductive
function nor embryotoxicity of blueberry polyphenol extract. The study can serve as the basis for a preclinical platform for upcoming clinical studies.

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