Effects of Nanpao, a Kampo Medicine, on Peripheral Blood Flow and Surface Skin Temperature in Aged Female Rats

Ichihashi, Masaru; Takatani, Hiromi; Hashimoto, Yoshikatsu; Yano, Kouji; Nishida, Atsuyuki; Kitamura, Kazuyuki

doi:10.1538/expanim.58.67

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“…These results indicate that a short period of administration of Nanpao prevented the age-related loss of regular estrous cycles [9]. Although the mechanism of the effect of Nanpao on the decline in reproductive function in female animals was not clear in the present study, we previously reported that Nanpao has the potential to improve peripheral blood flow and subsequently surface skin temperature [10]. Taking account of these findings, the inhibitory effect of the test drug on the decline in estrous cyclicity may be due to increased blood flow volume in the uterus and ovaries maintaining the normal environment of the uterus and ovaries and preventing the aging of the ovum.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 49%

Effects of Nanpao, a Kampo Medicine, on the Decline in Estrous Cyclicity with Advancing Age in Female Rats, as Measured by Vaginal Impedance Methods

Ichihashi¹,

Hasegawa²,

Imahie³

et al. 2010

Exp. Anim.

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The present study was designed to evaluate the time-dependent effects of Nanpao, a kampo medicine, on age-related changes in the estrous cycle of female rats, and to investigate the utility of measuring electrical impedance in the vagina (EIV) for studying transitional changes in the estrous cycle. Rats were allocated to 3 groups: control, Nanpao 30 mg/kg/day, and 100 mg/kg/day groups. EIV measurements and cytology samples were taken for 14 days at the age of 6 months before the initial treatment. After the start of the treatment, these data were collected at about monthly intervals until the age of 10 months in the same manner. Observations at the ages of 7 (weeks 2-3 of dosing) and 8 months (weeks 6-7 of dosing) showed that loss of a regular estrous cycle in the 100 mg/kg/day group was inhibited as compared to the control group. Moreover, at the ages of 9 (weeks 11-12 of dosing) and 10 months (weeks 17-18 of dosing), these effects were identified not only in the 100 mg/kg/day group, but also in the 30 mg/kg/day group. Since vaginal cytology and EIV gave almost concordant results as indicators of estrous cyclicity, we concluded that the measurement of EIV was capable of detecting time-dependent changes in the estrous cycle as well as observations of vaginal smears. A short period of Nanpao administration inhibited loss of regular estrous cycles, and the EIV method is a worthwhile approach to a more precise study of estrous cyclicity in rats exhibiting abnormal estrous cycles.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 49%