OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Carbopol gel formulations containing pilocarpine on the morphology and morphometry of the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. METHODS: Thirty-one female Wistar-Hannover rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control Groups I (n=7, rats in persistent estrus; positive controls) and II (n=7, castrated rats, negative controls) and the experimental Groups, III (n=8) and IV (n=9). Persistent estrus (Group I) was achieved with a subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate on the second postnatal day. At 90 days postnatal, rats in Groups II, III and IV were castrated and treated vaginally for 14 days with Carbopol gel (vehicle alone) or Carbopol gel containing 5% and 15% pilocarpine, respectively. Next, all of the animals were euthanized and their vaginas were removed for histological evaluation. A non-parametric test with a weighted linear regression model was used for data analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS: The morphological evaluation showed maturation of the vaginal epithelium with keratinization in Group I, whereas signs of vaginal atrophy were present in the rats of the other groups. Morphometric examinations showed mean thickness values of the vaginal epithelium of 195.10±12.23 μm, 30.90±1.14 μm, 28.16±2.98 μm and 29.84±2.30 μm in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively, with statistically significant differences between Group I and the other three groups (p<0.0001) and no differences between Groups II, III and IV (p=0.0809). CONCLUSION: Topical gel formulations containing pilocarpine had no effect on atrophy of the vaginal epithelium in the castrated female rats.

Própolis é uma mistura complexa, formada por material resinoso e balsâmico. Sua composição química é complexa e variada, estando relacionada com a flora de cada região visitada pelas abelhas e com o período de coleta da resina. Inclui flavonóides, ácidos aromáticos, terpenóides e fenilpropanóides, ácidos graxos e vários outros compostos. A própolis tem sido objeto de intensos estudos farmacológicos e químicos nos últimos 30 anos. Em várias partes do mundo é indicada para melhorar a saúde e prevenir doenças. Atualmente, é disponível em várias formas farmacêuticas como cápsulas, extratos, enxaguatório bucal, na forma de pó, entre outras. Ainda são necessários estudos correlacionando a composição química com a atividade biológica, definindo cada tipo de própolis com a sua aplicação terapêutica. É uma tarefa imprescindível para um mercado cada vez maior e exigente em todo o mundo.

Propolis (bee glue) is a complex mixture, formed by resinous and balsamic material. Its chemical composition is variable and complex, being related with the flora of each region visited by the bees and with the period of resins collection. Flavonoids, aromatic acids, terpenoids and phenylpropanoids, fatty acids, and other compounds are found in propolis. In the last 30 years, propolis has become subject of intense pharmacological and chemical studies. In different parts of the world it is indicated to improve health and prevent illnesses. Currently, it is available in some pharmaceutical forms as capsules, extracts, mouthrinses, powder form, among others. Indeed, studies correlating the chemical composition with the biological activity are necessary, defining each type of propolis with its therapeutic application. It is an essential task for a market ever bigger and demanding in the whole word.