RESUMO
The present work was done to study the effect of fenugreek seeds on the structure of the pars distalis, ovary and mammary gland of lactating rabbit. A total number of 24 lactating rabbits was used. The animals were divided into two groups. One served as a control lactating group [8 rabbits] and the other group was lactating rabbits treated with the seeds [16 rabbits]. The control and treated rabbits were sacrificed after two weeks and four weeks. Specimens of the pituitary gland were prepared for electron microscopy [E/M]. Mammary gland was prepared for light and electron microscopy while the ovary was prepared for light microscopy. Another specimens of the pituitary, mammary glands and ovary were prepared and processed for immunohistochemical application of mouse monocolonal prolactin [PRL] receptor antibody to detect the prolactin receptors in these tissues. This study cleared that, there was apparent increase in the number, size and signs of activity of mammotrophs. The mammary gland showed an increase in the activity of the alveolar cells and in the amount of milk secretion. As regard the ovary, there was an apparent increase in the number of primary follicles. There was progressive increase in the amount of atretic follicles. Corpus luteum showed progressive decrease in size and degeneration. The number of healthy growing follicle was reduced. The immunohistochemical study demonstrated a progressive increase in the number and size of mammotrophs that showing positive reaction for PRL receptor antibody. The mammary gland showed positive reaction in the alveolar cells and in the stroma cells. The ovary showed strong positive reaction for PRL receptor antibody. It becomes obvious that the treatment with fenugreek seeds leads to stimulation of the mammotrophs and mammary gland. At the same time it causes suppression of the ovary. In conclusion, the use of fenugreek seeds has a double advantageous effects as its ingestion by lactating females increases the milk production and in the mean time it suppresses the ovary which may decrease the possibility of pregnancy during lactation. So, we recommend the use of fenugreek seeds instead of the hormones or chemical drugs for more milk production and as a partial ovulation inhibitor