Evaluation of the effects of single or multiple dose methotrexate administration, salpingectomy on ovarian reserve of rat with the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and histological analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of single, multiple dose methotrexate (MTX) administration and salpingectomy on ovarian reserve in a rat model.

STUDY

DESIGN

In this prospective controlled experimental study, forty female Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into four groups; healthy control group (group 1), one month after single dose (50mg/m(2)) MTX administration group (group 2), multiple (1mg/kg, 1, 3, 5, 7 days) dose MTX administration group (group 3), and unilateral salpingectomy applied group (group 4). Ovarian reserves were assessed with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and ovarian follicles including primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary and total follicle counts.

SETTING

Kobay and Duzen experimental research laboratory.

RESULTS

Serum AMH levels decreased significantly in the single and multiple dose MTX administration group and salpingectomy group compared with control group. Primordial follicle counts were comparable between single dose MTX group and control group whereas all type of follicle counts in single and multiple dose MTX and salpingectomy group were significantly reduced compared with control. The least affected ovarian reserve in the treatment groups was single dose MTX group.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian reserve markers including follicle counts and AMH levels were decreased after single, multiple dose MTX administration, and salpingectomy. Single dose MTX was the least detrimental method on ovarian reserve for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy.