Morphofunctional characteristics of ACTH cells in middle-aged male rats after treatment with genistein

Gen Physiol Biophys. 2009 Mar;28(1):94-7. doi: 10.4149/gpb_2009_01_94.

Abstract

The soybean phytoestrogen, genistein, is increasingly consumed as an alternative therapeutic for age-related diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the morphofunctional characteristics of adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) cells and blood concentrations of ACTH in sham-operated, orchidectomized and genistein-treated orchidectomized, 16-month-old Wistar male rats. Genistein (10 mg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously for three weeks, while the control groups received the vehicle alone. Orchidectomy and genistein treatment decreased the volume density of ACTH cells and reduced (p < 0.05) circulating ACTH concentrations in comparison with control groups. In conclusion, genistein modulated the morphofunctional features of ACTH cells and decreased blood ACTH levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood*
  • Aging
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Cell Size / drug effects
  • Corticotrophs / cytology
  • Corticotrophs / drug effects*
  • Corticotrophs / physiology
  • Genistein / pharmacology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy
  • Organ Size
  • Pituitary Gland, Anterior / cytology
  • Pituitary Gland, Anterior / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Genistein