EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF OXYTOCIN AND DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL ON MOUSE OESTROIJS CYCLE USING AN INDEX

The reproductive cycle depends on physiological changes which are controlled by the endocrine system and is therefore responsible for reproduction. The reproductive cycle and functions of female mammals ran be altered by several drugs acting either directly or indirectly on activities of the female sex hormones. Oxytocin (OT) and Diethyktilboestrol (DES) are known to modulate the ovulation induction processes; however, their effects on cytological and morphological alterations of the reproductive organs (vagina, uterus and mammary glands) at different phases of the reproductive cycle are yet to be investigated, This study was therefore aimed at the comparative analysis of exogenously administered oxytocin at several concentrations and the simultaneous comparison with diethylstilboestrol on cytological and morphological parameters using modified methods of oostrous measurement in adult female mice. Evaluation was performed via macroscopic examination of animals as well as bv microscopic examination of vaginal smears for cytological changes before and after drug administration. The treatment was carried out for 21 days at 4-5 day intervals. Diethvlstilboestrol showed significant dose-related changes in both methods of measurement. DES (0.1 mg/kg) induced oestrous significantly (p 0.05) as observed in the increase in vaginal opening, colour, moisture, as well as abdominal distension and comiflcalion of the epithelial cells while 0.2 mg/kg DES displayed a more significant oestrous induction(p 0.01) which resulted in. foil comification of the epithelial cells. Oxytocin at doses of 12 lU/ks and 24 IU/kg did not induce statistically significant changes in this study. This study thus serves to update and contribute to current knowledge on the roles of oxytocin and DES on the reproductive cycle.