Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and ovarian morphological changes in androgenized cyclic female guinea pigs

• An appropriate dosage of testosterone propionate (TP) injected into guinea pigs could induce the continuous anovulation as the reproductive trait of human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• MMP-2 and -9 are jointly involved in the whole growth and atresia of ovarian follicles in cyclic guinea pigs.
• The increased number of antral atretic follicles in the ovary may be associated with the high expression of MMP-2 in the androgenized cyclic guinea pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ovarian morphological changes in androgenized cyclic female guinea pigs. Adult cyclic female guinea pigs were injected daily for 28 days with medium doses of testosterone propionate (TP; 1 mg/100 g), high doses of TP (2 mg/100 g), or saline (control). Serum concentrations of testosterone, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) were measured. Histologic sections of ovaries were stained with hematoxylin–eosin and by immunohistochemistry. Expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the ovary were characterized by immunohistochemistry. After 28 days of TP injection, serum testosterone concentrations were increased dose-dependently. An appropriate dosage of TP could induce permanent anovulation in guinea pigs, making them a potential model for human polycystic ovary syndrome. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are jointly involved in the growth and atresia of ovarian follicles in cyclic guinea pigs. Increased numbers of atretic antral follicles in the ovary might be associated with the observed high expression of MMP-2 in androgenized cyclic guinea pigs.

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