PURPOSE: Crude bark extract (CBE) of Dysoxylum alliarium was tested in vivo for its effects on rat uterus during estrus and day 4-7 of gestation. The purpose is to study the effects of CBE on embryo implantation and VEGF-C expression during peri-implantation period to find out possible role of VEGF-C and embryo implantation. METHODS: Threshold was determined by multiple-dose administration of CBE. CBE prepared in methanol was orally administered in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day to female rats during day 1-7 of gestation. Routine H&E histology of uteri was studied during estrus phase and days 4-7 of gestation. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C) was studied immunohistochemically and via western blot using VEGF-C antibody. RESULTS: The crude bark extract induced the structural aberration of uterine histology in cyclic stage and during peri-implantation. Cellular degeneration of embryo and supporting maternal tissue caused loss of embryo minimizing the litter size. Expression of VEGF-C was drastically reduced in the CBE treated females' uteri than that of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: CBE contains potential compounds capable of fertility control as post-coital contraceptive. Effects of CBE on embryo and foetal-maternal interface either mediated through reduced VEGF-C expression or vice versa.
PURPOSE: Crude bark extract (CBE) of Dysoxylum alliarium was tested in vivo for its effects on rat uterus during estrus and day 4-7 of gestation. The purpose is to study the effects of CBE on embryo implantation and VEGF-C expression during peri-implantation period to find out possible role of VEGF-C and embryo implantation. METHODS: Threshold was determined by multiple-dose administration of CBE. CBE prepared in methanol was orally administered in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day to female rats during day 1-7 of gestation. Routine H&E histology of uteri was studied during estrus phase and days 4-7 of gestation. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C) was studied immunohistochemically and via western blot using VEGF-C antibody. RESULTS: The crude bark extract induced the structural aberration of uterine histology in cyclic stage and during peri-implantation. Cellular degeneration of embryo and supporting maternal tissue caused loss of embryo minimizing the litter size. Expression of VEGF-C was drastically reduced in the CBE treated females' uteri than that of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: CBE contains potential compounds capable of fertility control as post-coital contraceptive. Effects of CBE on embryo and foetal-maternal interface either mediated through reduced VEGF-C expression or vice versa.