Effects of different doses of nandrolone decanoate on estrous cycle and ovarian tissue of rats after treatment and recovery periods

Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that different doses of nandrolone decanoate (ND) will cause changes in the estrous cycle and ovarian tissue of adult rats; and investigated the duration of the recovery period that is sufficient to restore the damage in the animals treated with different doses. Wistar rats were treated with ND at doses of 1.87, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg body weight, or received mineral oil (control group) for 15 days, subcutaneously. All animals were divided into three groups according to the treatment periods: (i) ND treatment for 15 days; (ii) ND treatment followed by a 30-day recovery; and (iii) ND treatment followed by a 60-day recovery. Estrous cycle was monitored daily, and at the end of each period, the animals were euthanized for histopathological analysis. During ND treatment and after 30-day recovery, all animals exhibited persistent diestrus. After a 60-day recovery, persistent diestrus was only maintained in the group that had received the highest dose. Ovarian weight was decreased significantly after the 30-day recovery, regardless of ND doses, compared with the control group. There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of corpora lutea and antral and growing follicles, in contrast to an increase (P < 0.05) in atretic follicles in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Remarkable histopathological changes occurred in the ovaries of all ND-treated groups. In conclusion, the different doses of ND caused changes in the estrous cycle and ovarian tissue of rats, and recovery periods (30 and 60 days) were insufficient to completely restore the damage in the animals treated with the highest dose.

Histopathological changes in androgenized ovaries are recovered by melatonin treatment

“…In the present study, luteogenesis was severely affected by ND, similarly to our previous reports . In addition, when the androgenized animals received the MLT treatment, there was a recovery in the number and area of the corpora lutea in the ND/MLT and MLT/ND groups.…”

“…As previously reported, the damage to folliculogenesis in females receiving only ND was evidenced by intense follicular atresia, absence of mature antral follicles and decrease in the number of healthy follicles at different stages of maturation. There were presence of cystic structures mainly in the ND group and occasionally in the ND/MLT group, resulting from deregulation in hormonal balance and ovulation failure .…”

“…[51][52][53] The reduction in ovarian weight of rats treated with synthetic steroid is likely due to the atrophy of the organ and impaired folliculogenesis and luteogenesis, thus confirming previous findings. 37,54 The administration of MLT recovered the ovarian weight in the androgenized animals, as there was follicular development and corpora lutea formation. It is documented that MLT decreases LH levels, 19 whereas treatment with 7.5 mg ND/kg may increase the levels of this gonadotropin.…”

“…In the present study, luteogenesis was severely affected by ND, similarly to our previous reports. 8,37 In addition, when the androgenized animals received the MLT treatment, there was a recovery in the number and area of the corpora lutea in the ND/MLT and MLT/ND groups. The decline in progesterone secretion promoted by the androgenic treatment is associated with degeneration of luteal structures.…”

“…This study investigated whether MLT treatment is able to protect the ovarian tissue of ND‐treated animals from the injuries caused by the androgenic anabolic steroid, as previously reported in our past studies; the helpful effect of MLT was considered based on the previous studies involving reproduction …”