Polycystic Ovary Morphology (PCOM) in Estradiol Valerate Treated Mouse Model

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary (PCO) is a criterion for PCOS. Several animal models of polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) are developed in order to study PCOS aspects. The present study aimed to develop a polycystic ovarian model in mice. Thirty-four young adult female mice were divided equally into estradiol valerate (EV) treated and control groups. Mice in experimental group (n = 18) received a single dose injection of EV (IM, 4 mg/kg). Weight and fertility rate of all mice were recorded. Morphology of ovarian follicles was assessed too. Chi-square and independent t test were used for comparison between groups. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant level. After 60 days, the weight of EV-treated mice was significantly lower than control (P < 0.04) and the experimental group did not show any significant changes in their body weight. Fertility rate in experimental group was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than the other group. Follicle count showed that the number of preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea were lower (P < 0.001) and atretic follicles were higher (P < 0.001) significantly in EV-treated group in comparison to control. However, there were no significant differences in the number of primary, preantral and antral follicles between two groups. The polycystic ovary morphology can be induced in adult mice with a single dose of EV. This model may help to improve our knowledge on all aspects of PCOS.