Lipid peroxidation in the rat uterus during deciduoma induced cell differentiation

The influence of deciduoma-induced differentiation on the lipid peroxidation in the rat uterus was investigated. The wet weight of uterus and its protein content increased during deciduoma progression. Content of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as well as lipid peroxidation induced by ascorbate and cumene hydroperoxide showed significant decreases during deciduoma growth. Restoration of normalcy was observed during regression. The activity of superoxide dismutase, an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation showed an opposite pattern namely increase during deciduoma development and decline during the regressive phase. We conclude that cell differentiation during deciduoma induction is accompanied by a temporary and reversible decrease in the peroxidative potential of the rat uterus.