Effect of paclitaxel on morphology and function of rat ovaries

The morphology and function of the ovaries at the early and late terms after single intravenous injection of paclitaxel in the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) were studied in female Wistar rats. Evaluation of the structural and functional elements of the female gonads showed that the targets for the drug were primordial, bi-and multilayer follicles. The number of graafian follicles and corpora lutea did not decrease. A more pronounced (copared to the control) depletion of the ovarian reserve potentialities was detected during the remote period. The drug did not decrease mating capacity and efficiency. On the other hand, high fetal mortality was observed in females treated with paclitaxel, which decreased with lengthening of the period between the cytostatic treatment and mating.