A new rat model exhibiting both ovarian and metabolic characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, abdominal obesity, and insulin resistance. However, its etiology is unclear, and its management is often unsatisfactory or requires a diversified approach. Here, we describe a new rat PCOS model, the first to exhibit both ovarian and metabolic characteristics of the syndrome. Female rats received the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or the aromatase inhibitor letrozole by continuous administration, beginning before puberty, to activate androgen receptors. Adult DHT rats had irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries characterized by cysts formed from atretic follicles, and a diminished granulosa layer. They also displayed metabolic features, including increased body weight, increased body fat, and enlarged mesenteric adipocytes, as well as elevated leptin levels and insulin resistance. All letrozole rats were anovulatory and developed polycystic ovaries with structural changes strikingly similar to those in human PCOS. Our findings suggest that the formation of a "hyperplastic" theca interna reflects the inclusion of luteinized granulosa cells in the cyst wall rather than true hyperplasia. We conclude that the letrozole model is suitable for studies of the ovarian features of human PCOS, while the DHT model is suitable for studies of both ovarian and metabolic features of the syndrome.
Mannerås
Louise
L
Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Box 434, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
Cajander
Stefan
S
Holmäng
Agneta
A
Seleskovic
Zamira
Z
Lystig
Theodore
T
Lönn
Malin
M
Stener-Victorin
Elisabet
E
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D000077289:Letrozole; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008643:Mesentery / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology; D009570:Nitriles / Q000494:pharmacology; D009929:Organ Size; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014230:Triazoles / Q000494:pharmacology
D000728:Androgens; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone; D000077289:Letrozole