Amitriptyline plays important roles in modifying the ovarian morphology and improving its functions in rats with estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary.

Previous studies demonstrated that depression is more prevalent in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we aimed to determine whether amitriptyline (AMT), an antidepressant drug, plays a role in preventing PCOS. The results showed that AMT modified ovarian morphology improved the ovarian functions and estrus cycle in estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovary (PCO). AMT restored the levels of estradiol (E), testosterone (T) and progesterone (P) to normal, and elevated the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in EV-induced PCO. No significant changes in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were observed in rats with EV or AMT treatment. The restoration of norepinephrine (NE) level was detected in rats with EV-induced PCO. AMT also altered the expression levels of steroidogenesis genes and beta2-adrenoceptor (beta2-AR) in EV-induced PCO. Our data revealed that AMT improves the ovarian morphology and modifies ovarian expression of beta2-AR and steroidogenesis genes in rats with EV-induced rat PCO. Our data provide support for the hypothesis that AMT is considered as a candidate drug for preventing and treating PCOS along with depression.