Effects of naloxone and yohimbine in polycystic ovary syndrome: a rabbit model study

Authors: SUMERA SAJJAD, SADIA TOBASSUM, UMER FAROOQ, HUSNA MALIK, MUSADIQ IDRIS

Abstract: Background/aim: To assess the therapeutic effects of naloxone and yohimbine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a rabbit model in terms of body weight and endocrinological parameters (luteinizing hormone, insulin, and estradiol). Materials and methods: A total of 50 adult, reproductively mature female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into five groups (n = 10/group). In the control group PCOS was not induced (negative control group), whereas in the remaining four groups (n = 40) PCOS was induced with a single i.m. injection of testosterone daily and were designated as follows: positive control, naloxone-treated (NalT), yohimbine-treated (YohT), and naloxone+yohimbine-treated (NalYT) groups. Results: A steadily ascending trend was noted in all of the studied parameters in the PCOS-induced group as compared to the negative control group. All the parameters showed a descending trend in the NalT group as compared to the positive control. Regarding the YohT and NalYT groups, all parameters showed a descending trend as compared to the positive control group except for estradiol. Conclusion: Naloxone therapy either alone or combined with yohimbine improves a wide range of the clinical manifestations of PCOS. Furthermore, we suggest this therapy as an alternative to the conventional therapy with insulin-lowering agents in vogue.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, naloxone, yohimbine

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