In rats with estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary syndrome, the acute blockade of ovarian β-adrenoreceptors improve ovulation.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by hyperactivity of the ovarian sympathetic nervous system, increases in the content and release of norepinephrine, as well as decreases in the number of β-adrenoreceptors. In the present study, β-adrenoreceptors in the ovaries of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome were blocked and analyzed the resultant effects on ovulation, hormone secretion and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of catecholamines.

Methods: At 60 days of age, vehicle or estradiol valerate-treated rats were injected with propranolol [10 M] into the ovarian bursas on oestrus day.