Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin coadministration on ovarian steroidogenic and folliculogenic activities in cyclophosphamide treated albino rats

Quantitative evaluation of ovarian Delta (5),3 beta- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenese (HSD) and 17 beta - HSD activities alone with radioimmunoassay of plasma levels of gonadotrophins (FSH and LH), and estradiol (E-2), and quantification of different types of developing follicles and regressive follicles were noted in mature rats of the Wistar strain following treatment with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days. A significant reduction in plasma levels of LH and E, along with significant diminution in the activities of ovarian Delta (5),3 beta -HSD and 17 beta- HSD were observed following cyclophosphamide treatment for 28 days without any change in the plasma level of FSH. This treatment also produced a marked degree of degeneration in different types of follicles. Coadministration of hCG at 5 IU/kg body weight/day for 28 days in the cyclophosphamide-treated group provided significant protection except with respect to plasma LH. These results suggest the possibility of an indirect action of cyclophosphamide at the level of the ovary. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.