Inhibitory effects of methotrexate on spontaneous motility and cajal-like type of tubal interstitial cells in rabbit oviduct
Methotrexate toxicity causes diminished tubal smooth muscle contractility, probably due to decreased population of t-ICC, which may be new potential targets for a variety of dysfunctional tubal motility diseases.
Authors
Xiao-Jun Yang, Ph.D., Wei Wei, M.D., Jing Zhao, M.D., Fei-Yun Zheng, M.D.
Vol 98, Issue 1 , Pages 215-221
Abstract
Objective:
To study the adverse biomechanical effects of methotrexate (MTX) on spontaneous tubal motility and on a widely distributed Cajal-like type of tubal interstitial cells (t-ICC) in rabbits. In our previous study, MTX was confirmed to cause acute endosalpingitis, and ultrastructural and steroid receptor damage in rat's endosalpinx in a dose-dependent manner.
Design:
Differences in spontaneous tubal contractions and cellular distribution of t-ICC in isthmus were evaluated in response to MTX.
Setting:
Medical school research laboratory.
Animal(s):
Twenty nonpregnant female New Zealand albino rabbits in estrus stage were divided equally into four groups.
Intervention(s):
Rabbits received IM MTX (1, 5, 10 mg/kg body weight) and controls received physiological saline.
Main Outcome Measure(s):
On day 7, in vitro motility studies measuring spontaneous tubal contractions were performed, and cellular distribution of t-ICC was determined by immunohistochemistry.
Result(s):
Methotrexate produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous isthmus contractions (frequency in 5, 10 mg/kg groups, and amplitude in 1, 5, 10 mg/kg MTX groups). It decreased significantly compared with the control group. Meanwhile, MTX at 5, 10 mg/kg decreased the population of c-kit immunoreactive t-ICC significantly.
Conclusion(s):
The decreased t-ICC may contribute to the diminished tubal smooth muscle contractility caused by MTX as observed. Tubal interstitial cells might be new potential targets for a variety of dysfunctional tubal motility diseases.
Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)00445-1/fulltext
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