Effect of experimental atherogenic diet on the sexual cycle and histopathological changes in the blood vessels of the rat uterus
Sieja, K.
Ginekologia Polska 51(5): 373-378
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-0011 PMID: 7190952 Document Number: 160472
The effect of an atherogenic diet, administered to 50 female rats for 1 mo. was studied. The effects on the sexual cycle and microscopic alterations in genital blood vessels were studied. The atherogenic diet contained high quantities of saturated fats, cholesterol and methylthiouracil. Blood serum samples were tested for the presence of total lipids, total cholesterol and free fatty acids. On autopsy the aorta wall was inspected. The sex cycle was evaluated by means of vaginal smears (Shorr staining). Ovarian and uterine fragments were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin, eosin and orcein for the presence of elastic fibers. The total lipids were determined using Postma Stroes technique: cholesterol after Chiamori and Henry; free fatty acids after Laurell and Tibbling. Sexual cycle disturbances were observed in 70.4% of animals receiving atherogenic diet. The blood samples contained a higher concentration of total lipids and cholesterol and of free fatty acids. No microscopic alterations could be found in the ovaries. In the uterine arterial vessels degenerative and sclerotic changes were seen. In the examined aortas atheromatic process was demonstrated. Apparently, chronic administration of atherogenic diet leads to metabolic changes and, in consequence, to sex cycle disturbances. The vascular reactivity to atherogenic diet is different; the aorta usually undergoes greater changes than the minor uterine arteries.