Effects of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Flax Seeds (Linum usitatissimum) on Serum Estradiol, Progesterone, Kidney and Liver Functions and Some Serum Biochemical Metabolites in Immature Female Rats

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) on serum estradiol, progesterone and some biochemical metabolites in immature female rats were investigated. Thirty six immature female rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Rats of group A served as controls, while those of groups B and C were given crude extract of Flax seeds orally @ 500 mg/kg and estradiol @ 40 µg/kg body weight, respectively, daily for 14 days. After 7 days, 6 rats from each group were euthanized, while the remaining 6 rats in each group were killed 14 days after treatment. Blood samples were taken for serum biochemical analysis, while ovaries were used for the determination of ovarian cholesterol contents and histological studies. Body weight of rats given Flax seeds extract was higher (P<0.05) compared to control rats and those given estradiol. Serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins and total cholesterol contents were higher (P<0.05) in rats given Flax seeds extract and estradiol compared to controls. The ovarian cholesterol contents were reduced in rats of both treatment groups (P<0.05). Serum ALT and AST activities were higher in Flax seeds treated rats compared to control, while it was not so in estradiol treated group. There was no difference in serum urea concentrations among rats of three groups. In conclusion, aqueous methanol extract of Flax seeds increased serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins, total cholesterol, ALT and AST activity, and decreased ovarian cholesterol levels, while it had no effect on kidney function in immature female rats

Hormonal Profiles in the Serum and Follicular Fluid of Female Camel (Camelus dromedarius) During the Peak and the Low Breeding Season

Serum and follicular fluid concentrations of some hormones during the low (May to October) and the peak (November to April) breeding seasons in female camels with small and large Graafian follicles were investigated. Ovaries of 25 adult female camels slaughtered at a local abattoir were collected. Jugular blood samples and follicular fluid aspirated from small (5-9 mm) and large (10-20 mm) follicles were analyzed for progesterone, estradiol, T3, T4 and cortisol concentrations. Serum progesterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) during the low than the peak breeding season. However, reverse was true for the serum estradiol, T3 and T4 levels. Animals with small follicles had higher (P<0.05) serum progesterone and cortisol concentrations than those with large follicles, while reverse was true for serum T3 levels. Follicular size had non significant effect on serum estradiol and T4 levels. In the follicular fluid, estradiol concentration was higher (P<0.05) during the low breeding season. However, season had non significant effect on follicular fluid levels of other hormones. Size of the follicle affected only progesterone level in the follicular fluid, which was higher (P<0.05) in large follicles. In conclusion, serum contents of estradiol, T3 and T4 were higher during the peak than the low breeding season; while reverse was true for serum progesterone and cortisol contents. For the follicle fluid, contents of estradiol were higher during the low than the peak breeding season. Follicle size influenced its progesterone contents only, which were higher in large than in small follicles