Studies on the protective effects of pollen-originated phytoestrogens on the growth and development of ovary in rats

Abstract

This present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of pollen extracts on the development of ovary in the presence of exogenous estradiol benzoate. 45-day old female Wistar rats were administered with estradiol benzoate to induce the pathological status of the ovary. Histological observation of ovarian paraffin sections revealed that interruption of the maturation of follicles was associated with massive follicular atresia. Significantly increased serum FSH level was characteristic of the rats. Exposing to estradiol benzoate also resulted in severe lesion of the liver. Abnormally elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were accompanied by increased liver weight and hepatosomatic index. Extracts of phytoestrogens from pollen exhibited protective effects on ovary and liver tissues. Histological evaluation showed that the inhibition of follicular development was markedly diminished after receiving treatment for 28 days. Serum FSH concentration was restored to the normal level. No significant difference in ovarian weight and ovary-somatic index could be detected between treated groups and the control group. The liver tissue displayed normal morphology and function. Taken together, our results demonstrated pollen-originated phytoestrogens were helpful in re-establishing the hormonal milieu and attenuating the adverse influences of estradiol benzoate on the ovary and liver tissues. Key words: Estradiol benzoate, phytoestogen, pollen, ovary, liver.