Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol Replacement in Rats and Mice: A Visual Demonstration
Published on: June 7, 2012
Ovary cells apoptosis in opium-addicted diabetic and non-diabetic rats
Gholamreza Asadikaram1, Majid Asiabanha2, Majid Sirati Sabet2
1Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Kerman, IR Iran ; Department of Biochemistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran.
Background:
Apoptosis is a physiological mechanism of cell death and it can be triggered by a variety of internal and external stimuli. It has been indicated that some opium derivatives develop cell apoptosis.
Objectives:
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of opium addiction on ovary cell apoptosis in diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats.
Materials And Methods:
This experimental study was done on control, control-addicted, diabetic and diabetic-addicted rats. DNA fragmentation as a biomarker of apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL assay.
Results:
The blood glucose concentration in diabetic-addicted and diabetic rats was increased when compared to control (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between weights of control, control-addicted (non-diabetic) and diabetic-addicted groups during this study. The results of this study indicated that apoptosis in addicted and diabetic-addicted ovary cells was significantly higher than in diabetic group, and also apoptosis in addicted group was significantly more than the control rats. In addition, we found that ovary cells apoptosis of diabetic rats were significantly less than in control group.
Conclusions:
Overall, these findings suggest that opium-addiction could play an important role in ovary cell apoptosis and could be very harmful for the reproductive system. Also, ovary cells of non-diabetic rats are more susceptible to opium-induced apoptosis than those of diabetic.
Insights
Opium addiction significantly increases ovary cell apoptosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Non-diabetic rats showed higher susceptibility to opium-induced apoptosis, highlighting risks to the reproductive system.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Cellular toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Apoptosis is a natural cell death process triggered by various stimuli.
- Opium derivatives have been linked to inducing apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of opium addiction on ovarian cell apoptosis in diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study involving control, addicted, diabetic, and addicted-diabetic rat groups.
- TUNEL assay used to quantify DNA fragmentation, a biomarker for apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Opium addiction significantly elevated ovary cell apoptosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats compared to controls.
- Diabetic rats exhibited less apoptosis than control rats.
- Non-diabetic rats were more susceptible to opium-induced apoptosis than diabetic rats.
Conclusions:
- Opium addiction plays a significant role in ovarian cell apoptosis, posing a threat to reproductive health.
- Ovarian cells in non-diabetic rats are more vulnerable to opium-induced apoptosis.

