Immunohistochemical distribution and gene expression of transforming growth factor alpha in ovarian tissue of rats treated with capsaicin in puberty*

Abstract

Aim: In this study, the effects of capsaicin on the immunohistochemical distribution and gene expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) in ovarian tissue of rats at the pubertal age were examined. Materials and methods: Rats (50 days old) were divided into experimental, alimentation, and sham groups. The experimental group was injected with 1 mg/kg doses of capsaicin (10% ethanol and 1% Tween in an 80% distilled water mixture) subcutaneously every day for a period of 1 week. The alimentation group received 1 mg/kg doses of capsaicin (10% ethanol and 1% Tween in an 80% distilled water mixture). The sham group was injected with a solution of 10% ethanol and 1% Tween in a mixture of 80% distilled water. Body weights and ovary weights were compared within the groups. Triple staining methods were used for the histological examinations. The tissue localization of TGF-α was analyzed using an immunohistochemical method and gene expression level was determined using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Results: No difference in the structure of the 3 groups was observed histologically. Immunohistochemically, TGF-α immunoreactivity was detected in the primordial follicles, primary follicles, theca cells, and interstitial cells at a medium density in all groups. The effect of capsaicin on TGF-α with mRNA was not found to be significantly different among the 3 groups. Conclusion: The results showed that capsaicin had no effects on ovaries at different developmental stages.