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. 2019 Dec 10;34(12):2495–2512. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dez205

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Baseline reproductive features of the three preclinical rat models of PCOS. Major reproductive features are presented from the three preclinical models of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (PNA: prenatal androgenization, NeNA: neonatal androgenization and PWA: post-weaning androgenization) at adulthood, prior to pharmacological intervention. Bar graphs represent data on serum LH and FSH levels, uterus weight (UW), ovarian weight (OW) and number of fresh corpora lutea (i.e. of the current cycle) in a representative subset of randomly selected animals (N = 10/group) of the three models. Data from the corresponding non-androgenized control animals are also shown. In addition, representative histological images of ovarian sections from the three PCOS models are presented. Note that, like control cycling females, PNA rats showed several generations of corpora lutea, as sign of ovulation. In contrast, corpora lutea were absent in NeNA and PWA rats, which presented atretic follicles that at advanced stages appeared as follicular cysts. Each histogram represents the mean ± SEM. Data were analyzed by Student t tests (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 versus corresponding control groups). CL: corpus luteum; Cy: cyst-like structures; AtF: atretic follicle. Scale bar: 600 μm.