Fig. 2
From: The impact of non-caloric artificial sweetener aspartame on female reproductive system in mice model
(a) Section of ovary of control mice showing normal growing follicles (F) of different sizes and stages. (b) Section of ovary of mice treated with ASP for 30 days showing decreased number of growing follicles. Degenerative changes were observed in follicular structure like degenerating oocytes (DO), theca follicli (arrow), corona radiata (arrow head) and Zona granulosa (ZG). (c) Aspartame treated ovary for 60 days shows degeneration of follicular antrum (FA), corona radiate (red arrow), oocyte (O), zona granulose (ZG) and theca follicle (arrow head). The number of follicles is very less. (d) of control uterus showing perimetrium (P), myommetrium (M), and endometrium (E). (e) Section of uterus of mice treated with ASP for 30 days shows compressed endometrial cells (arrow heads) and the glands (arrows) are also atrophic, attributed to endometrium destruction due to ASP. (f) Uterus treated with ASP for 60 days shows degeneration in uterine endometrial lining (arrow head). Endometrial glands were also affected as their number was decreased and their epithelial lining showed necrosis (arrows) (H & E × 100)