Potential toxicity of nickel nano and microparticles on the reproductive system of female rats: A comparative time-dependent study

Increased application of engineered nanoparticles in different sectors viz. agriculture, commerce, industry, and medicine has raised serious public health issues. Nanoparticles of nickel have been increasingly used as catalysts, conductive pastes, adhesives, nanowires, and nanofilters. Human and animal exposure to these particles may cause toxicity in different organs/systems. Studies made in the past had demonstrated their toxicity in liver, kidney, and lungs. However, their reproductive effects remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study on reproductive toxicity of nickel nanoparticles (