ABSTRACT
8-Methoxypsoralen [8-MOP] is a photoactive compound widely used in the treatment of proliferate disorders. The present study investigates the effects of 8-MOP on ovary function and pituitary-gonad axis in mice. In this experimental analytical study, 45 female Balb/C mice were divided into three groups [n=15], control, sham [olive oil injection] and experimental. The experimental group were received an intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection of the LD50 dose of 60 mg/kg 8-MOP. At 30 days after injection, the animals were sacrificed while in the proestrus stage and examined for morphological and histological changes their ovaries. Blood samples were collected and estrogen, luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the t test. The mean levels of estrogen and progesterone in the experimental group significantly decreased [p<0.001]. However, there was a significant increase in LH and FSH levels in this group compared to the control groups [p<0.001]. The mean number and diameter of the corpus luteum [CL] and the number of growing follicles in the experimental group significantly reduced compared to the control and sham groups [p<0.001]. The mean granulosa thickness in the experimental group also significantly decreased compared to the control and sham groups [p<0.001]. Our data indicated that 8-MOP can affect the levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone. Our findings further suggest that consecutive doses of 8-MOP may impair the female reproductive tract [or development]