Original Article THE IMPACT OF HYDROXYPROGESTERONE CAPROATE ON ADRENAL CORTEX THICKNESS IN DEVELOPING RATS

Abstract

Background: Hydroxyprogesterone caproate, a drug used commonly in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, has been shown to increase the weight of developing rat adrenal glands.

Aim: This research was undertaken to observe changes in the various zones of the adrenal cortex with an increase in the thickness of the adrenal cortex.

Material and Methods: Hydroxyprogesterone caproate was administered to two experimental groups at doses of 10 and 25 mg per kg of body weight intraperitoneally, while the third group was the control group and didn't receive any hydroxyprogesterone caproate. On the seventh day following delivery, the offspring were sacrificed. The adrenal glands were dissected and after proper fixation and staining, the thicknesses of various zones of the adrenal cortex were noted.

Results: It was observed that the mean thickness of the adrenal cortex was increased in both experimental groups when compared with the control group.

Conclusion: The research revealed that hydroxyprogesterone caproate impacted rat pups' adrenal cortex by increasing its thickness and accelerating its maturity when used in a critical phase of the development of the adrenal gland. (P ˂0.05)