Differences between rats and mice in the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced ovarian follicle loss.

Repeated dosing with the occupational chemical 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) selectively depletes small pre-antral follicles in the ovaries of rats and mice via apoptosis. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a role in mediating the effects of several xenobiotics. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate a potential role of the AhR in VCD-induced ovotoxicity.

Risk factors for hot flashes in midlife women.

Objective: To review the scientific literature pertaining to potential risk factors for hot flashes in midlife women.

Methods: Scientific publications reporting on risk factors for hot flashes were identified through a systematic Medline search and are summarized in this review paper.

Results: Although few studies have investigated risk factors for hot flashes in midlife women, consistent evidence suggests that smoking is associated with an increased risk for hot flashes.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulates growth, but not atresia, of mouse preantral and antral follicles.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds various environmental contaminants. Despite our knowledge regarding the role of the AhR in mediating toxicity, little is known about the physiological role of the AhR. Previous studies indicate that the AhR may regulate folliculogenesis, because AhR-deficient (AhRKO) mice have fewer preantral and antral follicles than wild-type (WT) mice during postnatal life.