In rats with the polycystic ovary syndrome, the monoaminergic activity in the celiac superior mesenteric ganglion depends on the vagal innervation

BackgroundOne of the mechanisms involved in the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) development is the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which reaches the ovaries pathway the ovarian superior nerve (SON). The somas of the neurons originating the SON are located mainly in the celiac superior mesenteric ganglia (CSMG), which in turn receives innervation by the vagus nerve, suggesting that the neural information arriving to the CSMG through the vagus nerve may modulate the role played by the SON in the persistence of PCOS. AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess the participation of the vagus nerve in the regulation of the monoaminergic activity in the CSMG of rats with PCOS induced by estradiol valerate (EV-induced PCOS).Methods Ten-day old rats injected with EV dissolved in corn oil, at 24-days of age were submitted to unilateral or bilateral vagotomy. The animals were sacrificed at 90–92 days of age, after presenting vaginal oestrous smear preceded by a proestrus.Results In rats with EV-induced PCOS, unilateral or bilateral vagotomy resulted in lower noradrenaline (NA) levels; bilateral vagotomy yielded lower serotonine (5-HT) levels in the CSMG, and the dopamine (DA) levels were not modified by the vagotomy.ConclusionPresent result suggests that in rats with EV-induced PCOS the CSMG serves as communication channel between the vagus nerve and sympathetic innervation and this communication is related to the persistence of EV-induced PCOS