Effect of cyproterone acetate on the genital organs of female rats

Effects of cyproterone acetate, a synthetic steroidal compound, on the reproductive organs of female rats have been investigated. This agent causes reduction in ovarian weights indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. Oestrogenic nature of cyproterone acetate was investigated in intact and ovariectomized animals taking uterine weight, vaginal keratinization and other oestrogen sensitive biochemical parameters. Cyproterone acetate in ovariectomized animals induced vaginal keratinization, increase in uterine weight and uterine protein, RNA, glycogen and sialic acid contents. These effects were parallel to the effect of oestradiol dipropionate in ovariectomized animals, thus indicating oestrogenic activity cyproterone acetate. The histological and biochemical parameters lead to the conclusion that cyproterone acetate possessed antifertility property due to its inherent oestrogenic nature.