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Journal of Ovarian Research

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research

Polycystic ovary syndrome resembling histopathological alterations in ovaries from prenatal androgenized female rats

Authors: Fang Wang, Bolan Yu, Wenjing Yang, Jianqiao Liu, Jiachun Lu, Xuefeng Xia

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

The polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) affects approximately 6-10% of women of reproductive age and is characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that dictate androgen overproduction is lacking, which may account for inconsistencies between measures of androgen excess and clinical presentation in individual cases.

Methods

A rat model of PCOS was established by injecting dehydroepiandrosterone sulfoconjugate (DHEAS) into pregnant females. Rats were administered with DHEAS (60 mg/kg/d) subcutaneously (s.c.) for all 20 days of pregnancy (Group A), or for the first 10 days (Group B), or from day 11 to day 20 (Group C). Controls were administered with injection oil (0.2 ml/day) s.c. throughout pregnancy (Group D). The litter rate, abortion rate, and offspring survival rate in each group were recorded. Serum androgen and estrogen were measured and the morphological features of the ovaries were examined by light and electron microscopy in the offspring of each group.

Results

We found that rats injected with DHEAS throughout pregnancy (group A) lost fertility. Rats injected with DHEAS during early pregnancy (group B) exhibited more serious aberrations in fertility than both Group C, in which rats were injected with DHEAS during late pregnancy (P < 0.05), and Group D (controls). There was a statistical difference of ovarian weight among female offspring in Group B, C and D (P < 0.01). By light and electron microscopy, a significant morphological difference among the female offspring in the three groups was observed.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that androgen excess during pregnancy can decrease rat fertility. Excess androgen at the early stage of pregnancy causes high reproductive toxicity, leading to abnormality of ovarian morphology and functions in female offspring.

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Title: Polycystic ovary syndrome resembling histopathological alterations in ovaries from prenatal androgenized female rats
Authors: Fang Wang
Bolan Yu
Wenjing Yang
Jianqiao Liu
Jiachun Lu
Xuefeng Xia
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-5-15

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Polycystic ovary syndrome resembling histopathological alterations in ovaries from prenatal androgenized female rats

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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