Effects of Shingihwanhapchangbudodam-Tang on the Estradiol Valerate-induced Polycystic Ovary in Rats

Purpose : Polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) is a endocrine disorder and still remains as one of the common causes of anovulation in women of reproductive age. There are some evidences that nerve growth factor(NGF) is involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. In this research, the effects of ShingihwanhapChangbudodam- Tang(SCT) on the estradiol valerate(EV)-induced polycystic ovary(PCO) were investigated in rats. Methods : PCO was induced by single intramuscular injection with EV(4mg) in female rats. Rats in PCO control group(n = 8) were EV injected and orally administrated distilled water for sixty days. Rats in SCT-treated group(n = 8) were EV injected and orally administrated SCT for same duration. The weights of body, ovary and adrenal gland were measured. And also, ovarian histopathology and NGF immunohistochemistry were performed. Results : The weights of ovaries in SCT-treated group were significantly increased compared with control group. The numbers of secondly and mature follicles, and corpora lutea in SCT-treated group were significantly increased compared with control group. The numbers of atretic follicles were significantly decreased compared with control group. The expression of NGF positive reaction in the ovarian granulosa cells of SCT-treated group were lesser observed than control group. Conclusion : From the these results, we concluded that ShingihwanhapChangbudodam-Tang(SCT) has inhibitory effect on the development of EV-induced polycystic ovary. And it's effect may be related with decreased NGF activities in the ovary.