The effect of letrozole treatment on the fertility and embryos parameters in female mice: Histological and hormonal study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate how letrozole affects reproductive hormones and embryos in mature female mice.
Method: The investigative study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 at the Pathology Department
of Kut Technical Institute, Al-Kut, Iraq, and comprised adult female albino mice weighing 23-25g. The mice were divided
into control group A, those receiving 1.5mg/kg/day letrozole in group B, and those receiving 2.5mg/kg/day letrozole
in group C. The intervention lasted 14 days. Blood samples were collected under anaesthesia by heart puncture for
hormonal testing. Data was analysed using SPSS 15.
Results: Of the 30 mice, 10(33.3%) were in each of the 3 groups. Right and left ovaries of mice in groups B and C
showed a significant rise in multi-follicular cells compared to group A (p<0.05). Follicle-stimulating hormone, oestrogen
and progesterone concentrations as well as luteinizing hormone increased significantly in the intervention groups
compared to the control group (p<0.05). The impact of letrozole on embryos was significant in groups B and C
compared to group A.
Conclusions: Letrozole was found to have a positive effect on reproductive parameters and hormones in mice.
Keywords: Mice, Ovary, Letrozole, oestrogen, Progesterone, Luteinizing hormone.