The effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) on ovarian radiosensitivity.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) is a drug that is commonly given to young women with cancer during chemotherapy and radiation to control heavy bleeding associated with anovulation. Because hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian suppression has been associated with ovarian protection from the effects of chemotherapy and medroxyprogesterone acetate has been identified as a radiosensitizing agent, we explored the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate on a rat model with known radiation injury characteristics. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate or vehicle from day 22 to day 37 of life and were either irradiated or sham-irradiated on day 30 of life and then killed on day 44. Radiation with medroxyprogesterone acetate administration produced a greater loss in preantral and healthy control follicles than in control follicles. No suppression of luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone had occurred by day 30 but ovarian glutathione content was reduced. These findings indicate that the administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate with radiotherapy may enhance ovarian injury.
Jarrell
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary/Foothills Hospital, Alberta, Canada.
YoungLai
E V
EV
McMahon
A
A
Barr
R
R
O'Connell
G
G
Belbec
L
L
D000818:Animals; D004971:Estrus; D005260:Female; D005978:Glutathione / Q000032:analysis; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D009929:Organ Size; D010053:Ovary / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D006062:Gonadotropins; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D005978:Glutathione; D008525:Medroxyprogesterone