Molecular characterization of the uterotrophic assay: Temporal gene expression changes in uterus and pituitary gland following ethinylestradiol

ABSTRACT: an OECD-compliant uterotrophic assay was performed using ethinyl estradiol (EE) in juvenile female rats, followed by an analysis of the temporal gene expression profiles and associated pathways in uterus and pituitary gland in comparison to the standard parameters like uterine weight and histopathology. Additionally, published gene and protein expression analyses of uteri were included for evaluation of overall common pathways. Immature, 15-day old female Wistar rats (strain Hsd/Cpb:WU; Harlan) were maintained under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity, and illumination. Animals had free access rat pellet diet and drinking water ad libitum. At the age of 19 days, rats were randomly assigned to groups (n=3-6) and were subcutaneously dosed with either 3 µg/kg ethinyl estradiol (EE, Sigma) or control (corn oil,) at 4 ml/kg body weight every 24h for three consecutive days. The animal experimental procedure was identical to the OECD uterotrophic assay (OECD 2000). Two, four, eight, and 24h after the first, four and 24h after the second, and 24h after the last application, animals were sacrificed in deep anesthesia (see Fig.1A) and uteri, pituitary glands and vaginas were rapidly removed. Uterine wet weight was determined, then uteri were longitudinally cut in halves. The right uterine halves and the pituitary glands for RNA isolation were shock frosted with liquid nitrogen and stored at −80°C.

ORGANISM(S): Rattus norvegicus

PROVIDER: GSE338902 | GEO | 2026/07/23

REPOSITORIES: GEO