The Effect of L-arginine Supplementation on Female Subfertility Caused by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia

Abstract

The present study was planned to investigate the impact of CIH on female fertility and evaluate the adaptogenic activity of L-arginine supplementation and its anti-stress effect on female fertility. The study was performed on 48 adult female albino rats, divided into the following groups: • Group I: Control group (n=16), rats were housed (4 rats/cage) in room air.Also rats received distilled water (the solvent of L-arginine), 5 days/week for 12 weeks by oral gavage. • Group II: Hypoxic group (n=16), rats were subjected to hypoxia for 8 hours/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. Also rats received distilled water (the solvent of L-arginine) 30 min prior to exposure to hypoxia, 5 days/week for 12 weeks by oral gavage. • Group III: Hypoxic-supplemented group (n=16), rats were supplemented with L-arginine by oral gavage in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight 30 min prior to exposure to hypoxia, 5 days/week for 12 weeks.