Tubo-ovarian dysplasia in relationship with ovulation induction in rats.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess tubo-ovarian dysplasia via morphologic and immunohistochemical study of rats exposed to ovulation stimulation protocols. DESIGN: Animal experimental study. SETTING: Academic research hospital. ANIMAL(S) 72 female Wistar rats divided into three groups. INTERVENTION(S) Stimulation protocols using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or clomiphene citrate for 3, 6, or 12 cycles, after which the animals were killed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Ovarian and tubal dysplasia score and immunohistochemical assessment using p53 and Ki67. RESULT(S) The ovarian dysplasia score was statistically significantly higher after 12 stimulation cycles in the groups receiving FSH (group B) or clomiphene citrate (group C) compared with control (group A). The tubal dysplasia score was statistically significantly increased after only three stimulation cycles in groups B and C. The Ki67 proliferation marker was statistically significantly expressed in the ovaries from group C, and in the fallopian tubes from groups B and C. P53 was constantly low in all three groups. CONCLUSION(S) Ovulation stimulation may induce tubal and ovarian histopathologic and immunohistochemical abnormalities with a dose effect. The role of the fallopian tubes and their interaction with the ovaries require further study.