Objective: To evaluate the sex steroid profile and histomorphometry of the adrenal cortical zones of androgenized rats (wistar) with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with metformin.
Study design: Thirty animals were divided into three groups: GC (regular estrous cycle), GPE (permanent estrus), and GPEM (permanent estrus + metformin 28 mg/kg for 50 days). At the end of this period, blood was collected for hormone measurement. The width of the adrenal cortical zones and the nuclear volumes were analyzed by histomorphometry. The ANOVA test was used in the statistical analysis.
Results: The adrenal glands of the androgenized animals were larger and more intensely vascularized than those of the other groups. The concentration of androstenedione in GPE was higher than that in the other groups (0.4 ± 0.1*>= 0.2 ± 0.1 = 0.2 ± 01, *p < 0.05). The width of the zona glomerulosa and of the zona reticularis and their nuclear volumes were greater in GPE compared to those of the other groups (GPE* > GPEM = GC, *p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Metformin treatment may decrease the serum levels of androstenedione as well as the width and the nuclear volumes of the zona glomerulosa and of the zona reticularis in androgenized animals.
Keywords: Adrenal glands; hyperandrogenism; metformin; morphology; rats.