Effects of hexestrol on mouse ovarian morphology and ovulation

OBJECTIVE: To analyze histological aspects of ovaries as well as the ovulation of adult mice treated with the anabolic agent hexestrol. METHODS: Thirty adult mice were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: (GI) the animals received a dose of 3 mg/kg of hexestrol; (GII) the animals were given a dose of 6 mg/kg of hexestrol; (GIII) the animals were injected with distilled water (vehicle). Another 10-animal group (GIV) was included, and these mice were injected with propionate testosterone (1.25 mg) after 5 days from the day of birth. Hexestrol was administered intraperitoneally once a day and the treatment lasted 30 days. The mice were then sacrificed; their ovaries and oviducts were removed, submitted to histological routine and analyzed under light microscopy. RESULTS: In mice treated with hexestrol (6 mg/kg) (Group II), ovaries were smaller than those from the controls but highly vascularized; similar results were obtained in GIV. A great number of follicles in several stages of development were found -- however, with no corpora lutea -- in six animals in GII. No corpora lutea were found in GIV. The number of luteal bodies and oocytes in GII was lower than that in GI or GIII. No oocytes were detected in GIV. Finally, the nuclear volume of interstitial cells in GII and GIV was the largest. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the anabolic agent hexestrol in a high dose may decrease ovulation in mice.