2. Effect of ghrelin hormone on ovary histology in female wistar albino rats

Aim: The aim of our present study is to assess the histophysiological changes in the ovary of immature and mature wistar strain female albino rats in response to the intraperitoneal injection of ghrelin hormone. Methods: Eighteen immature female albino rats (65 - 70 g) and eighteen mature female albino rats (130 to 140 g) were randomly allocated into control and treatment groups (two doses as low dose - 10μg/kg and optimum dose - 20μg/kg of body weight of ghrelin).Treatment groups were injected with ghrelin for 15 days .On 16th day the animals were sacrificed. The body weight and weight of the ovaries were measured. The ovaries were fixed in10 % buffered formalin and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The histo-architecture of ovary was studied. Results: Administration of ghrelin indicates well defined changes like reduced number of graffian follicles, some of which show mild degenerative changes like disorganized cells. Reduction in number of corpus luteal cells, prominent Stromal tissues, congestion of blood vessels were also seen in the ovaries of animals in mature female rats of optimum dose. There was no significant change in histoarchitecture of immature ovary of treated groups. In immature and mature group there was significant increase in body weight but decreased ovarian weight in treated animals when compared with control. Conclusion: From the present study it may be concluded that ghrelin produced degenerative changes in the ovaries of mature albino rats and thus it may have a negative influence on reproductive function and affects fertility.