Objective To evaluate the correlation of
uterotrophic assay in immature mice and E SCREEN assay for estrogenic activities
using 17β estradiol (17β E 2) and four botanical extracts ( Fructus Foeniculi, Fructus Psoraleae, Radix Cyathulae and Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis). Methods Weanling female Kunming mice weighed 10-12g were given botanical extracts (10 g/kg BW, i.g) and 17β E 2 (0 5 mg/kg BW, s.c), respectively, for 9 days. Uterine and ovary weights of mice were measured after killed. Human breast cancer MCF 7 cells were cultured and treated with botanical extracts (final concentration: 10 mg/L) and 17β E 2(final concentration: 0 3μmol/L) for 120 h, respectively. The doubling time of cell growth was calculated and analyzed its correlation with average uterine weights obtained from
uterotrophic assay. Results Four botanical extracts, as well as 17β E 2, increased uterine weights of mice significantly ( P <0 05 or P <0 01) and shortened the doubling time of cell growth. And uterine weights were inversely correlated with the doubling time of cell growth ( r =-0 967, P <0 01) Conclusion The result of
Uterotrophic assay in immature mice was consistent with that of E SCREEN assay when evaluating estrogenic activities.