Effects of ethinylestradiol-norethisterone acetate combinations on the ultrastructure of liver, kidney, ovary and endometrium cells.

ABSTRACT

Sexually mature female Wistar rats were given 0.05 mg ethinylestradiol (EE) + 0.5 mg norethisterone acetate (NET), or 0.1 mg EE + 1.0 mg NET for 6 or 12 sexual cycles, i.e., for 30 or 60 days. Rat hepatocytes, renal proximal tubule cells, ovarian granulosa cells and endometrial gland cells showed ultrastructural changes that correlated with the dose and duration of EE/NET treatment. The most common ultrastructural features were as follows reduced RER, mitochondrial damage, and an increased number of lysosomes. The study has shown that EE/NET combinations used in oral contraception produce ultrastructural lesions, which may impair protein biosynthesis and energy production processes, and may simultaneously enhance cellular catabolism.