Role of Korean red ginseng total saponins in rat infertility induced by polycystic ovaries.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of Korean red ginseng total saponins (GTS) on ovarian morphology and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in the ovaries, pituitary, and hippocampus.


METHODS
Polycystic ovary (PCO) rat model induced by estradiol valerate (EV).


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Thirty sexually mature female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 190-210 g.


METHODS
Female Sprague-Dawley rats (190-210 g) were separated into three groups: EV control (n = 10), EV plus GTS (n = 10), and oil control (n = 10).


METHODS
Ovarian morphology and NGF protein expression.


RESULTS
Polycystic ovary was fully developed in rats with a single intramuscular injection of EV. Increased expression of NGF was noted in the ovaries and the brain of rats with PCO. GTS administration attenuated NGF expression in the ovaries but not in the brain.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest a role for GTS in the regulation of NGF expression in female rats with PCO.
Pak
Sok Cheon
SC
New Zealand College of Oriental Medicine, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Lim
Sung Chul
SC
Nah
Seung-Yeol
SY
Lee
Jiae
J
Hill
Joseph A
JA
Bae
Chun Sik
CS
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D007723:Korea; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012503:Saponins; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor