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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Mouse Model of Surgically-induced Endometriosis by Auto-transplantation of Uterine Tissue
Published on: January 6, 2012
Combating endometriosis by blocking proteasome and nuclear factor-kappaB pathways
Onder Celik1, Seyma Hascalik, Koray Elter
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University School of Medicine, 44069, Malatya, Turkey. oncelik@inonu.edu.tr
Background:
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate [PDTC; a nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor] and bortezomib (Velcade; a proteasome inhibitor) on the development of experimental endometriotic implants in rats.
Methods:
Endometriosis was surgically induced in 30 rats using the method of Vernon and Wilson. Three weeks later the viability and volume of the implants were recorded and classified. Afterwards, rats were put into three groups with equal numbers. The groups were labelled as the control, the PDTC and the bortezomib groups. Seven days after treatment, a third laparotomy was done and the volume of implants was measured again. The animals were then sacrificed, and the implants were stained with Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CD34, CD31 and Masson's trichrome histochemical staining.
Results:
In 80% of the implanted rats, vesicles at the suture region were observed, and the rats graded according to average vesicle diameter (D) as: Grade 1 (no vesicle, 20% of rats), Grade 2 (D < 2 mm, 33.3% of rats), Grade 3 (2 mm
Conclusions:
PDTC and bortezomib may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of endometriosis.
Insights
Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and bortezomib effectively reduced experimental endometriosis in rats. These nuclear factor-kappaB and proteasome inhibitors decreased implant size and cell proliferation, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for endometriosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.
- Current treatments for endometriosis have limitations.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to manage endometriosis effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and bortezomib in treating experimental endometriosis in a rat model.
- To assess the impact of these agents on endometriotic implant development and cellular markers.
Main Methods:
- Surgically induced endometriosis in 30 rats.
- Administered PDTC and bortezomib to treatment groups, with a control group.
- Measured implant volume and assessed expression of Ki67, PCNA, CD34, CD31, and Masson's trichrome post-treatment.
Main Results:
- PDTC and bortezomib significantly reduced endometriotic implant volumes compared to controls (P < 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively).
- Treatment decreased the incidence of larger vesicles (Grades 3 and 4) and increased Grade 1 (no vesicle).
- Reduced expression of proliferation markers (Ki67, PCNA) and angiogenesis markers (CD34, CD31) was observed in treated groups.
Conclusions:
- PDTC and bortezomib demonstrate significant therapeutic potential for endometriosis.
- These agents may offer a novel treatment strategy by inhibiting implant growth and vascularization.
- Further research is warranted to explore their clinical application in endometriosis management.
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