Responses in reproductive organs, steroid hormones and CYP450 enzymes in female Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) over time after quinestrol treatment

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the effects and reversibility of the synthetic estrogen compound, quinestrol, on the reproductive organs, steroid hormones, and drug-metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 in liver and kidney over time after two quinestrol treatments in female Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus ). Female gerbils were treated with 4 mg/kg quinestrol (9 gerbils/group, 3 treated group) (1 control group, 0 mg/kg) for 3 days and treated again after 25 days. Animals were killed for collection of samples at 5, 10 and 15 days after the second treatment ending. Two interval quinestrol treatments significantly increased uterine weight, with trend of increase over time, but no change could be detected in ovarian weights. Quinestrol treatment increased progesterone and estradiol levels, both with trend of decline over time. Quinestrol increased liver and kidney weights and total enzyme content of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, with trend of decline over time. On the basis of reversible changes of detoxification enzymes or organs, interval quinestrol treatment effectively and reversibly influenced the reproductive hormone and organ to some extent.