Evaluation of the ivermectin effects on porcine granulosa cell function.

Ivermectin (IVM) is used as antiparasitic drug in veterinary medicine and it is also the only avermectin approved in humans in several parasitic infestations. We examined this substance because potential critical issues associated with the use were highlighted. Moreover, criticisms related to the ecological-environmental sphere, as well as food contamination arise. Nevertheless, current in vitro studies are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the direct impact of IVM on reproductive function using swine granulosa cells as reproductive cell model. The results show that progesterone, ATP and free radicals' levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Non-enzymatic defense systems as well as autophagy did not show significant differences. On the contrary, cell proliferation, estradiol levels, and enzymatic defense systems significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after IVM treatment. Since results show that the normal function of these cells is compromised by IVM the normal reproductive functions of the entire organism could be disrupted.