INTRODUCTION: The influence of ovarian and placental hormones on the immune system is still controverse in the literature. OBJECTIVES: Assess the influence of oophorectomy and pregnancy on the phagocytic function of phagocytic mononuclear system (PMS) in experimental model. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 45 adults female wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 15): Group 1 - control, Group 2 - oophorectomized rats, Group 3 - pregnant rats. The phagocytic function of PMS was assessed by uptake of sulphur colloid labeled with 99mTc by liver, spleen and lung. The remnant colloid in the blood steam was verified by mears of a blood clot. The weight and radioactive level of the samples were measured and the results were compared by Student's t test, with significance for p < 0.05. Histological analyses of these organs were also performed. RESULTS: The scintigraphic values were higher in liver followed by spleen and lung. The blood clot presented only little amount of radiation. The oophorectomized rats did not registered alterations in colloids uptake when compared with the control group. Although the pregnant rats registered lower radiation in the liver and higher in the lung no histological abnormality was found in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, pregnancy interferes with the phagocytic function of PMS, however oophorectomy does not seem to modify this function.
Oophorectomy; Pregnancy; Phagocytic mononuclear system; 99mTc sulphur colloid; Rat
