Persistent estrus rat models of polycystic ovary disease: an update.
OBJECTIVE
To critically review published articles on polycystic ovary (PCO) disease in rat models, with a focus on delineating its pathophysiology.


METHODS
Review of the English-language literature published from 1966 to March 2005 was performed through PubMed search. Keywords or phrases used were persistent estrus, chronic anovulation, polycystic ovary, polycystic ovary disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Articles were also located via bibliographies of published literature.


METHODS
University Health Sciences Center.


METHODS
Articles on persistent estrus and PCO in rats were selected and reviewed regarding the methods for induction of PCO disease.


METHODS
Changes in the reproductive cycle, ovarian morphology, hormonal parameters, and factors associated with the development of PCO disease in rat models were analyzed.


RESULTS
Principal methods for inducing PCO in the rat include exposure to constant light, anterior hypothalamic and amygdaloidal lesions, and the use of androgens, estrogens, antiprogestin, and mifepristone.


CONCLUSIONS
The validated rat PCO models provide useful information on morphologic and hormonal disturbances in the pathogenesis of chronic anovulation in this condition. These studies have aimed to replicate the morphologic and hormonal characteristics observed in the human PCO syndrome. The implications of these studies to human condition are discussed.
Singh
Krishna B
KB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA. ksingh@lsuhsc.edu
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004971:Estrus / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats