Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
Beauty, E.-O.U., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Evi, B.E., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Benin, PMB. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
The reproductive cycle depends on physiological changes which are controlled by the endocrine system and is therefore responsible for reproduction. The reproductive cycle and functions of female mammals can be altered by several drugs acting either directly or indirectly on activities of the female sex hormones. Oxytocin (OT) and Diethylstilboestral (DES) are known to modulate the ovulation induction processes; however, their effects on cytological and morphological alterations of the reproductive organs (vagina, uterus and mammary glands) at different phases of the reproductive cycle are yet to be investigated, This study was therefore aimed at the comparative analysis of exogenously administered oxytocin at several concentrations and the simultaneous comparison with diethylsttiboestrol on cytological and morphological parameters using modified methods of oestrous measurement in adult female mice. Evaluation was performed via macroscopic examination of animals as well as by microscopic examination of vaginal smears for cytological changes before and after drug administration. The treatment was carried out for 21 days at 4-5 day intervals. Diethylstilboestrol showed significant dose-related changes in both methods of measurement. DES (0.1 mg(kg) induced oestrous significantly (p<0.05) as observed in the increase in vaginal opening, colour, moisture, as well as abdominal distension and cornification of the epithelial cells while 0.2 mg/kg DES displayed a more significant oestrous induction (p <0.01) which resulted in frill cornificat ion of the epithelial cells. Oxytocin at doses of 12 flJ/kg and 24 ILY/kg did not induce statistically significant changes in this study. This study thus serves to update and. contribute to current knowledge on the roles of oxytocin and DES on the reproductive cycle. © CMS UNIBEN JMBR.
diethylstilbestrol; oxytocin; sex hormone; abdominal distension; adult; animal experiment; Article; controlled study; cytology; endocrine system; epithelium cell; estrus cycle; female; genital system; mammary gland; morphology; mouse; nonhuman; ovary cycle; ovulation induction; uterus; vagina; vagina smear
