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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Mouse Model of Surgically-induced Endometriosis by Auto-transplantation of Uterine Tissue
Published on: January 6, 2012
Everolimus as an mTOR Inhibitor Suppresses Endometriotic Implants: an Experimental Rat Study
T Kacan1, C Yildiz2, S Baloglu Kacan3
1Department of Medical Oncology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey.
Abstract:
Introduction Mammalian target of rapamycin is a pathway to block apoptosis. Recent studies showed that the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin pathway increases in endometriotic lesions. Aim of the present study was to study the effect of everolimus agent, a rapamycin analog, in an experimental endometriosis model. Materials and Methods Endometriosis established by the autotransplantation of uterine tissue in the peritoneal cavity was confirmed in 24 rats. The animals were then randomly divided into three groups to receive either everolimus (1.5 mg/kg/day, p. o.), anastrozole (0.004 mg/day, p. o.), or normal saline (0.1 mL, i. p.) for 14 days. Endometriotic foci were excised, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and endometriosis was scored semiquantitatively. In addition, immunohistochemical examination were performed using primary antibodies of vascular endothelial growth factor, CD117, and Bax. Results Both anastrozole and everolimus lowered endometriosis scores. Significant decreases in ovarian follicles were observed following anastrozole treatment but not everolimus treatment. Conclusion Through its apoptosis-promoting effect, everolimus suppressed endometriotic foci without negatively affecting ovarian reserve. These findings support the hypothesis that everolimus merits further study on the way to developing a new endometriosis drug.
Insights
Everolimus, a rapamycin analog, effectively reduced endometriosis lesions by promoting apoptosis. This endometriosis treatment did not negatively impact ovarian reserve, suggesting its potential as a future therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in blocking apoptosis.
- Increased mTOR pathway activity is observed in endometriotic lesions.
- Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effect of everolimus, a rapamycin analog, on experimental endometriosis.
- To evaluate the impact of everolimus on endometriotic lesion size and associated molecular markers.
- To assess the safety of everolimus regarding ovarian reserve in an endometriosis model.
Main Methods:
- Endometriosis was induced in rats via autotransplantation of uterine tissue.
- Animals were treated with everolimus, anastrozole, or saline for 14 days.
- Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess vascular endothelial growth factor, CD117, and Bax expression.
Main Results:
- Both everolimus and anastrozole significantly reduced endometriosis scores.
- Everolimus treatment did not lead to a significant decrease in ovarian follicles.
- Anastrozole treatment resulted in significant decreases in ovarian follicles.
Conclusions:
- Everolimus demonstrates efficacy in suppressing endometriotic foci through apoptosis promotion.
- Everolimus presents a promising therapeutic option for endometriosis without compromising ovarian reserve.
- Further research into everolimus as a novel endometriosis drug is warranted.
