Intraovarian localization of growth factors in induced cystic ovaries in rats.

HUGO H. ORTEGA ; NATALIA R. SALVETTI; PAOLA AMABLE; BIBIANA E. DALLARD; CELINA BARAVALLE; CLAUDIO G. BARBEITO; EDUARDO J. GIMENO

ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA-JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE SERIES C

Blackwell Verlag, Berlin

Lugar: Berlín; Año: 2007 vol. 36 p. 94 - 102

0340-2096

We hypothesize that the special hormonal environment present in animals with cystic ovarian disease (COD) interferes with cellular production of growth factors (GFs). The objective of the present study was to characterize the expression of IGF-I, FGF-2 and VEGF in induced COD using immunohistochemistry. We use an experimental model based in the exposure to constant light of adult rats during 15 weeks. We quantified the expression of GFs in cystic and normal ovaries by the Immunohistochemical Stained Area (IHCSA). In animals with COD occurs a significant reduction in the IHCSA of IGF-I in the follicular fluid, theca and granulosa layers of cysts; and an increase in the interstitial tissue with regard to the control group. We found moderate immunoreactivity of FGF-2 in granulosa and theca layers of secondary and tertiary follicles and lower expression in the granulosa and theca interna layers of cystic follicles. Immunoexpression of VEGF was found in granulosa and theca cells of secondary and tertiary follicles. This study shows changes in the ovarian expression of IGF-I, FGF-2 and VEGF in induced COD. We can propose that an alteration in the control of the follicular dynamic, through the growth factors, added to other features, could be involved in the ovarian cyst pathogenesis.