Histopathological evaluation of female reproductive tract exposed to sustained delivery of DHEA, and DHEA + E

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenals that serves as a precursor for numerous steroid hormones. Conventional modes of DHEA administration were limited to injections and oral routes, which result in several drawbacks. This mandates the desire for the development of a different route of DHEA administration. Sustained delivery of DHEA by bioceramic capsules has not been fully explored. The objectives of this study were: (1) to deliver DHEA, and DHEA + estrogen in a sustained manner using tricalcium phosphate-lysine (TCPL) bioceramic capsules, and (2) to evaluate the morphological changes of reproductive and vital organs using female rats as a model. A total of twelve adult female rats (220-250 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups. Rats in Groups 1 and 2 were implanted with TCPL capsules containing 200 mg DHEA, and 600 mg DHEA (DHEA-HD), respectively. Group 3 animals were implanted with one TCPL capsule containing 200 mg of DHEA and a second TCPL capsule containing 50 mg estrogen, (DHEA + E). Group 4 represented the control group. Aseptic surgical techniques were utilized during i.p. implantation of the capsules. After implantation, body weights were recorded and blood (2 ml) samples were taken biweekly for 21 days. Pap smears were taken daily. At the end of 21 days, the animals were sacrificed using an overdose of halothane. The vital and reproductive organs were harvested, processed, embedded, sectioned and screened for cellular changes. Data obtained from these procedures revealed slight hypertrophy of the heart and kidneys. In DHEA + E implanted rats, a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the weights of the tubules, cervix, and uterine tissues compared to the control animals. Data obtained from this study demonstrates that the proliferative effect of sustained delivery of DHEA on the reproductive organs (ovary, cervix, uterus, and tubes) of female rats. This study provides more insights regarding the physiological alteration induced by sustained delivery of DHEA.