The adverse effects of methoxsalen on the oogenesis of BALB/c mice
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Hypoxia Alters miRNAs Levels Involved in Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mice
Published on: July 11, 2025
Mona Farhadi1, Esmaeil Fattahi2, Homa Mohseni Kouchesfahani3
11.Department of Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Saveh Branch, Saveh, Iran.
Objective:
Methoxsalen is a natural photoactive compound which is found in many seed plants. A number of epidermal proliferative disorders can be treated by methoxsalen along with long wave ultraviolet A (UVA).
Materials And Methods:
In an experimental study, we aimed to demonstrate the effect of methoxsalen, UVA and their combination on oogenesis Balb/C mice. There were two experimental groups and a control group. The experimental groups were composed of i. a short term group with treatment duration of 15 days and ii. a long term group with treatment duration of 5 weeks. Both the long term and short term experimental groups were further subdivided into a UVA group, a methoxsalen group and a methoxsalen plus UVA group. After treatment, mature females in prosterus phase of ovarian cycle were scarified with ether, while their ovaries were removed and prepared for histological studies.
Results:
Both macro and microscopic studies showed significant anomalies (p<0.05) among experimental group ovaries as compared to control group. The obtained results showed a significant decrease in the following factors: number and diameter of corpus lutei, Graafian follicles, diameter of granulosa cell layer and oocytes, number of primordial and primary and growing follicles, while we observed an increase in number of atretic follicle. Furthermore, our findings confirmed an increase in theca diameter only through UVA treatment. Methoxsalen also reduced circulating estrogen levels in blood serum, significantly. Other cases of teratogenecity, such as follicles with three oocytes and disorganization in corpus luteum cells were observed.
Conclusion:
The result suggests that UVA, methoxsalen and their combination cause health problems and cell injuries.
Insights
Methoxsalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) treatments negatively impact mouse oogenesis, causing ovarian cell damage and reduced fertility. These findings highlight potential reproductive health risks associated with these agents.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Methoxsalen is a natural photoactive compound used with UVA for skin disorders.
- Its effects on reproductive health, specifically oogenesis, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of methoxsalen, UVA, and their combination on oogenesis in Balb/C mice.
- To assess histological changes in ovarian tissues following treatment.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study with short-term (15 days) and long-term (5 weeks) treatment groups.
- Groups included UVA alone, methoxsalen alone, and methoxsalen plus UVA.
- Ovaries were examined histologically after treatment.
Main Results:
- Significant ovarian anomalies observed in experimental groups compared to controls (p<0.05).
- Decreased corpus lutei, Graafian follicles, granulosa cell and oocyte diameter, and early-stage follicles.
- Increased atretic follicles and teratogenic effects like multiple oocytes per follicle were noted.
Conclusions:
- UVA, methoxsalen, and their combination induce ovarian cell damage and reproductive health issues.
- Findings suggest potential risks to fertility and ovarian function.
More Related Videos
05:32Author Spotlight: Investigating the Relationship Between FSH and Pathophysiological Changes in Perimenopausal Women - Insights from a Mouse Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
14:26A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
Published on: April 7, 2014
