Effect of traditional Chinese medicine Muniziqi on gonad axis in rats with chronic stress premature ovarian failure

AIM: To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Muniziqi on chronic premature ovarian failure (POF) by observing the histomorphological changes of pituitary, hypothalamus and ovary in rats with chronic POF. METHODS: Mature Sprague-Dawley rats (female, n=90) were randomly divided into normal group (n=10), and stress model group (n=80). After the model was established, the rats with POF were screened. The model rats were divided into POF group, and POF with high-, medium- and low-dose Muniziqi groups. HE staining and Masson staining were used. The morphological changes of pituitary, hypothalamic and ovarian tissues were observed, and the ovarian and uterus indexes were calculated. The serum levels of estradiol (E₂), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the rats were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The traditional Chinese medicine Muniziqi had certain effects on the morphological changes and hormone levels of pituitary, hypothalamic and ovarian tissues in the rats with chronic POF. Compared with POF group, each drug intervention group had different degrees of improvement. Compared with normal group, the E₂ level in POF group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the levels of LH and FSH were significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chronic stress results in the occurrence of POF. The traditional Chinese medicine Muniqizi has the effects on prevention and treatment of POF and improvement of histomorphological changes and hormone levels of the gonaol axis.