Oestrogen-like effect of genistein on follicle - stimulating hormone release in ovariectomized ewes

A Wójcik-Gładysz,K Romanowicz,J Polkowska,T Misztal

doi:10.22358/jafs/66927/2006

A Wójcik-Gładysz, K Romanowicz + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22358/jafs/66927/2006

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Abstract

(Received 25 July 2006; revised version 4 October 2006; accepted 6 November 2006)ABSTRACTPhytoestrogens, plant-derived oestrogen-like compounds exert numerous effects on the reproductive functions of animals. The present study was designed to demonstrate if exogenous genistein infused during the breeding season into the third ventricle of the brain of ovariectomized (OVX) ewes could affect the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release from the pituitary cells. Two year old OVX ewes (n=8) were infused with vehicle (control, n=3) or genistein (10 µg/100 µl/h, n=5) into the third ventricle. The infusions were done from 10.00 to 14.00 h and blood samples collection was performed this day from 8.00 up to 20.00 h and next day from 8.00 to 10.00 h. The animals were slaughtered thereafter. FSH cells in the adenohypophysis were localized by immunohistochemistry. Plasma FSH concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the number of immunoreactive (IR) FSH cells in the adenohypophysis and IR material stored in these cells increased in genistein-infused animals, microscopic observations were conﬁrmed by statistical analysis (P<0.001). The concentrations of FSH was signiﬁcantly lower 20 h after genistein infusions, as compared to the values noted in vehicle infused ewes (34.18±1.36 vs 40.62±2.69; P<0,05), respectively. The presented results demonstrated that genistein could affect the FSH release in the OVX ewes.KEY WORDS: genistein, FSH, ovariectomy, ewes

Highlights

Phytoestrogens, plant-derived oestrogen-like compounds, affect the development and physiology of mammals, and especially their reproductive functions (Whitten and Patisaul, 2001)
The representative pattern of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in two OVX ewes infused with vehicle or genistein during the entire experimental period is shown on the Figure 3
The results of the present study show that genistein affects the release of FSH in ovariectomized ewes, following infusion into the third ventricle of the brain

Summary

Introduction

Phytoestrogens, plant-derived oestrogen-like compounds, affect the development and physiology of mammals, and especially their reproductive functions (Whitten and Patisaul, 2001). The main source of phytoestrogens are important pasture. EFFECT OF GENISTEIN IN EWES and forage plants, e.g., clover, soya bean or lucerne. The chemical structure of phytoestrogens is similar to the structure of synthetic oestrogens and it enables to activate α and β oestrogen receptors (ER) (Kuiper et al, 1998). Some studies have shown that several isoflavonoids act as oestrogen agonist via ER (e.g., Kuiper et al, 1998). Genistein, the most important isoflavons, has been shown to have oestrogen-like effects in the female reproductive system of rats (Santell et al, 1997)

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