DMPA-Induced Changes in Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors of Ampulla of Rat-oviducts: An Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

To evaluate the changes in estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors in oviducts, their immunohistochemical expression was investigated using albino rats in estrous cycle and after administration of depot-medroxy progesterone acetate (DMPA). Materials and methods: Twenty rats underwent this study were classified into groups, five rats were sacrificed in the morning of first day (follicular stage); another five rats were sacrificed in the morning of the second day (luteal stage); and ten rats were injected with 12.5 mg subcutaneous DMPA in the first day of cycle, then sacrificed in the next day to show changes in ER and PR. Paraffin-embedded blocks were prepared from the ampullae of oviducts. Then, immunohistochemical staining was performed for each block. Results: ER immunoreactivity mainly nuclear was expressed in the glands, pseudoglands, stromal cells and vascular endothelia in the follicular phase; becoming cytoplasmic in the luteal phase, expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of luminal epithelial cells, and nearly the same picture after DMPA injection. PR immunoreactivity mainly nuclear was expressed in the glands, pseudoglands and stromal cells in the follicular phase; becoming moderately expressed in the luteal phase, but reached a maximum after DMPA injection. Conclusions: DMPA injection caused increased expression of PR but not affecting ER expression.