Histological Effects of Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate on Albino Rat Ovary after Consecutive 1-4 Estrous Cycles

Background:To observe the histological effects of letrozole and Clomiphene citrate on albino rat  ovary after consecutive 1-4 estrous cycles. Methods: An experimental study was carried out on eighty four adult female Albino rats. The rats were equally divided into three groups. Vaginal smear cytology was performed to determine the phases of estrous cycle. The group A  was given normal saline orally and served as control. Group B  was given letrozole(Femara) at dose 5mg/kg orally and group C  was  given clomiphene citrate at dose 100ug/kg orally.  Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups on the basis of  duration of treatment. Ovarian sections  were made and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin.  Number of antral follicle  in both ovaries  of each subgroups  were counted and were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Mean ± S.D. Results: Morphometric and statistical analysis revealed that number of antral follicle   was significantly increased with  both letrozole  and  clomiphene citrate as compared to control. However  marked increase in  number  of antral follicle and development of cystic follicles was observed in clomiphene citrate group. Conclusion: Letrozole and  clomiphene citrate  both have improved folliculogenesis. However letrozole is more effective and safe for ovulation induction