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INTRODUCTION The effects of ethephon on the reproductive systems of mammalian females are still ambiguous. This study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of ethephon on the female reproductive system. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty female C57 mice were used as experimental subjects and evenly divided into 8 groups, which were fed with mixed ethephon (0, 107.3, 214.5, and 429 mg/kg bw/day) and pure water. After 20 and 40 days of gavage, the mice were weighed and individual organ coefficients of the ovaries were measured. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to detect the serum levels of serum sex hormones. The cell cycle distribution and rate of apoptosis of mouse ovarian tissues were examined using flow cytometry. RESULTS Ethephon intoxication significantly decreased serum levels of progesterone (P) and oestradiol (E2) and increased the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH). The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased and then increased over time. In addition, ethephon significantly inhibited the apoptosis rate in the ovary and caused G0/G1 and G2/M arrest. CONCLUSION These results indicate that prolonged exposure to ethephon may have negative effects on the female reproductive system.