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Long-term regression of experimental endometriosis in a rat model treated with local application of levonorgestrel-loaded biodegradable microspheres
- Source :
- Human Reproduction. 27:2089-2095
- Publication Year :
- 2012
- Publisher :
- Oxford University Press (OUP), 2012.
-
Abstract
- BACKGROUND: A previous study demonstrated that local application of levonorgestrel-loaded polylactic acid microspheres (LNG microspheres) resulted in significant regression of endometriotic cysts in a rabbit model for 6 months without disturbing the metabolic parameters or ovarian function. In order to investigate the feasibility of local application of LNG microspheres as a long-term maintenance treatment for endometriosis, the suppressive effect of a single intra-cystic injection of LNG microspheres was studied for 1 year in a rat model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty four rats with experimental endometriotic cysts were randomized to be treated with a single intra-cystic injection of LNG microspheres (n = 8); 6-month GnRH agonist (GnRHa, n = 8) or control (n = 8). Intra-cystic injection of LNG microspheres and GnRHa treatment caused comparable regression and atrophy in endometriotic cysts in the first 6 months. Compared with the control, the wet weight of the endometriotic cysts was significantly lower in both groups at Month 6 but by Month 12 only remained low in the LNG microspheres group (P < 0.01). The immunostaining of estrogen receptors (ERs) in both the epithelium and stroma and progesterone receptors (PRs) in the stroma was significantly weakened in the LNG microspheres group at Month 6 and was not fully restored at Month 12 (P < 0.01). Metabolic parameters and estrous cycle were not disturbed by local application of LNG microspheres. CONCLUSIONS: In a rat endometriosis model, the suppressive effect of a single intra-cystic injection of LNG microspheres was comparable to that of GnRHa, and was maintained for 1 year. The down-regulation of ERs and PRs might serve as possible mechanism of long-term effectiveness.
- Subjects :
- Agonist
endocrine system
medicine.medical_specialty
medicine.drug_class
Endometriosis
Estrogen receptor
Biocompatible Materials
Levonorgestrel
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Random Allocation
Atrophy
Internal medicine
Absorbable Implants
medicine
Animals
Humans
Receptor
Estrous cycle
business.industry
Body Weight
Rehabilitation
Obstetrics and Gynecology
medicine.disease
Microspheres
Rats
Disease Models, Animal
Treatment Outcome
Endocrinology
Receptors, Estrogen
Reproductive Medicine
Female
business
Immunostaining
medicine.drug
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 14602350 and 02681161
- Volume :
- 27
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Human Reproduction
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....d39be13e3bb16aef2ee84ea60f449e30