Nitric oxide (NO) induced Histo-morphological changes in the rat ovary

Considering nitric oxide (NO) as one of important molecular regulators in genital organs, we examined its effects on histo-morphologic changes in the rat ovary. 40 rats were divided in 5 groups of 8 upon observing vaginal plaque that has been considered as day zero of pregnancy. Control group, normal saline, L-NAME, L Arginine and L-NAME + L-Arginine groups. Except the control group the remaining groups received normal saline (2 ml / kg / ip), L-NAME (20mg / kg / ip), LArginine (200 mg / kg / ip) and a mixture of the same doses of L NAME + L- Arginine, respectively on the 3rd, 4th and 5th days of pregnancy. On the 18th day of pregnancy the rats were anesthetized by diethyl ether and then paralyzed by cutting the spinal cord. After laparotomy the ovaries were fixed in 10% formalin and after tissue sample preparation, general (H + E) and specific (PAS) staining was performed. The histo-morphological changes were observed by optical microscopy and the necessary photographs were taken. Degenerative changes and dissemination were observed in most parts of ovaries of L- Arginine group as well as reduction in growth and weight of the rats. Ovarian volume and number of corpus Luteum were also reduced in this group. It seems that NO induces inhibition of cell growth in the pregnancy period and can interfere with normal functions of the ovary.