ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)and its receptors mRNAs in ovary tissues of letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)in rats.Methods The SD rats were divided into two groups (moder group and control group),20 rats in each group.The rat models of PCOS were established by letrozole.Serum sex hormone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay.The histologic changes in ovaries were observed by Hematoxylin-eosin stai-ning,and the expression of BDNF and its receptors gene in ovary tissues was detected by Real-time PCR.Results Although the se-rum testosterone,follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels in model group were markedly increased more than those in the control group (P < 0.01 ),estradiol and progesterone in model group showed a considerable reduction (P < 0.05 ). When compared with the control group,model group rats showed increased ovarian volume and high incidence of subcapsular ovari-an cysts together with decreased number of corpora lutea.The expression of BDNF and p75 mRNAs was significantly higher in model group than that in the control group(P <0.05),but the expression of TrkB mRNA reduced(P <0.05).Conclusion BDNF/TrkB/p75 expressed in ovarian tissues may play a specific role on follicular developmental disorders in letrozole-induced PCOS rats.