[Correlation comparison of uterotrophic assay and E-SCREEN assay for estrogenic activities]

To evaluate the correlation of uterotrophic assay in immature mice and E-SCREEN assay for estrogenic activities using 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E2) and four botanical extracts (Fructus Foeniculi, Fructus Psoraleae, Radix Cyathulae and Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis).

Weanling female Kunming mice weighed 10 - 12 g were given botanical extracts (10 g/kg BW, i.g) and 17beta-E2 (0.5 mg/kg BW, s.c), respectively, for 9 days. Uterine and ovary weights of mice were measured after killed. Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated with botanical extracts (final concentration: 10 mg/L) and 17beta-E2 (final concentration: 0.3 micromol/L) for 120 h, respectively. The doubling time of cell growth was calculated and analyzed its correlation with average uterine weights obtained from uterotrophic assay. Results Four botanical extracts, as well as 17beta-E2, increased uterine weights of mice significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and shortened the doubling time of cell growth. And uterine weights were inversely correlated with the doubling time of cell growth (r = -0.967, P < 0.01).

The result of uterotrophic assay in immature mice was consistent with that of E-SCREEN assay when evaluating estrogenic activities.