Allopregnanolone alters follicular and luteal dynamics during the estrous cycle

摘要: Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid synthesized in the central nervous system independently of steroidogenic glands; it influences sexual behavior and anxiety. The aim this work to evaluate indirect effect single pharmacological dose allopregnanolone on important processes related normal ovarian function, such as folliculogenesis, angiogenesis luteolysis, study corresponding changes endocrine profile enzymatic activity over 4 days rat estrous cycle. We test hypothesis that may trigger hypothalamus - hypophysis axis dysregulation cause failure which affects next cycle stages. was injected during proestrous morning then, animals were sacrificed at each stage Ovarian sections processed determine number diameter different structures. Cleaved caspase 3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, α-actin Von Willebrand factor expressions evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estrogen progesterone serum levels measured radioimmunoassay. activities 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase determined spectrophotometric assays. Two-way ANOVA followed Bonferroni performed statistical differences between control treated groups along four stages results indicate decreased developing follicles, while atretic follicles cysts increased with no effects cyclicity. Some ovaries showed morphological characteristics similar luteinized unruptured follicles. apoptosis/proliferation balance from rats. altered angiogenic markers expression ovaries. As regards corpora lutea, significantly. Progesterone These data suggest interferes steroidogenesis folliculogenesis lutea regression, might exerts protective role luteal cells prevents them luteolysis. plays an pathophysiology.