Time-related effects of RU486 treatment in experimentally induced endometriosis in the rat.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the time-dependent effect of the progesterone antagonist RU486 on experimentally induced endometriosis in the rat.


METHODS
Endometriosis was induced by implanting endometrium onto the peritoneal side wall. Size of the implants was measured before and after treatment.


METHODS
Fifty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley female rats weighing 200 to 225 g.


METHODS
Departmental research laboratory of university hospital.


METHODS
Animals treated with RU486 or vehicle only for 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks.


METHODS
Size of the implant was measured before and after treatment; relative change in size of the implants was calculated.


RESULTS
There was not a statistically significant difference between the treatment groups and the control groups. There was no regression of endometriosis in any of the treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
RU486 administered for 8 weeks in the rat model was not effective therapy for endometriosis.
Tjaden
B
B
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Galetto
D
D
Woodruff
J D
JD
Rock
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D007813:Laparotomy; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013997:Time Factors; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
D015735:Mifepristone