Alcohol-Induced Ovarian Failure in the Rat

Abstract

A B S T R A C T The effect of ethanol feeding on ovarian function and structure in fenmale rats was studied in alcohol-fed animals, isocalorically fed controls, and two ad libitum-fed control groups. Ovarian weight was reduced by 60% in alcohol-fed animals compared with the control groups. Gross disruption of ovarian architecture was noted, characterized by the absence of any corpus hemorrhagicum and corpus albicans. Moreover, plasma levels of estradiol were significantly reduced in the alcohol-fed animals (P < 0.01) compared with the levels found in isocaloric controls. Plasma levels of estrone and corticosterone were increased in alcoholfed and isocaloric control animals relative to those of ad libitum-fed animals suggesting a primarily adrenal, rather than ovarian, origin for these two steroids. Despite the increase in estrone, the secondary sex organs (uterus and fallopian tubes) reflected marked estrogen deprivation presumably as a result of estradiol insufficiency.Progesterone levels in the alcohol-fed animals were significantly less than levels in the isocaloric and intact ad libitum-fed controls but were not significantly different compared to oophorectomized animals.Plasnma follicle-stimulating hormone levels were sinmilar in alcohol-fed, isocaloric controls, and ad libitum-intact controls. They were, however, one-third the level ofoophorectomized controls. Both alcohol-fed anid isocaloric controls had increased levels of plasma luteinizing hormone, although levels were below those seen in oophorectomized controls (P < 0.01).The results establish that ingestion of a diet containing 5% ethanol for periods as short as 6 wk produces functional and histologic ovarian failure in the female rat.Dr. V'an Thiel is the recipient of U. S. Public Health Service Career Developmiient Award AA00016.

Effect of Increasing Estradiol Levels on Platelet Peripheral Benzodiazepine Binding Sites in Women Undergoing Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Treatment

“…We have pre viously found a reduction in the density of platelet peripheral BZ binding sites in association with alcohol ism [Suranyi-Cadotte et al, 1988], a disorder where one often finds disturbed regulation of gonadal steroid func tion [Van Thiel et al. 1975, 1978. An inference from these findings is that a relationship may exist between the peripheral BZ binding sites and circulatory levels of gonadal hormones.…”

“…Using [3H]PK 11195 as a selective ligand, previous studies have de scribed significant reductions in the density of platelet peripheral BZ binding sites in schizophrenia [Gavish et al, 1986a;Weizman et al, 1986] and anxiety disorder . In recent studies we found a sig nificant reduction in the density of platelet peripheral BZ binding sites in alcoholism [Suranyi-Cadotte et al, 1988] , a disorder which is reputedly associated with altered levels of adrenal and gonadal steroids [Van Thiel et al, 1975, 1978. …”

Alcohol consumption and ovarian cancer risk in a population‐based case–control study

“…[45][46][47] In rats, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to ovarian failure. 48 If suppression of ovulation and gonadotropin levels are protective against ovarian cancer as has been hypothesized, 25,26 and if alcohol disrupts these processes, then high levels of alcohol consumption may be protective against ovarian cancer.…”

The influence of selected environmental factors on the time of natural menopause in women living in the Małopolskie voivodeship

“…A tendency for an earlier onset of natural menopause can be noticed in relation to increased alcohol intake as well as the frequency of alcohol consumption. Numerous tests on animals confirm the effect of alcohol on the reproductive system (van Thiel et al 1978). Studies by van Thiel et al (1978) demonstrated that ovarian failure in female rats who were fed for 7 days with alcohol in the quantity equivalent to 36% of their daily energetic requirement was more frequent than in the group which was not fed with alcohol.…”

“…Numerous tests on animals confirm the effect of alcohol on the reproductive system (van Thiel et al 1978). Studies by van Thiel et al (1978) demonstrated that ovarian failure in female rats who were fed for 7 days with alcohol in the quantity equivalent to 36% of their daily energetic requirement was more frequent than in the group which was not fed with alcohol. Findings presented by van Emanuele et al (2002) indicate that rats which were fed with small amounts of alcohol had an increased level of estradiol in their blood.…”