Comparison of the effect of Passiflora incarnata extract and Alprazolam on sex hormone levels and ovarian tissue ultra-structure in Adult Female fish (Trichogaster trichopterus)

Background & aim: Alprazolam and Passiflora incarnata produce calming and sleep-inducing effects by affecting GABA, which is one of the known neurotransmitters of the brain. Findings indicate that GABA receptors exist in the body's endocrine glands, including the ovary. The aim of this research was comparing the effects of gabaergic drug alprazolam and Passiflora incarnata on fish ovarian tissue. Methods: For this purpose, 120 pieces of Trichogaster trichopterus with an average weight of 3 ± 0.5g were purchased from ornamental fish farm in Hamedan and divided into eight groups of 15, which included the intact control group, the solvent control group, three treatment groups which received Alprazolam with a dose of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg and three treatment groups receiving Passiflora incarnata extract with doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. A dose of 0.02 ml of the drug was injected intramuscularly between the dorsal fin and the lateral line every other day for 10 times, over a period of 20 days. Finally, the fish were euthanized and dissected. The ovaries of the fish were isolated and examined with optical and electron microscope, and ELIZA kit was used to measure steroid hormones from tissue fluids. The data were analyzed using SPSS22 software and statistical methods of one-way ANOVA and Duncan at the level of p≤0.05. Results: The results showed that 17-beta-estradiol hormone increased in all doses of alprazolam and decreased in all doses of Passiflora incarnata extract compared to the control groups (p≤0.05). The level of testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormones increased significantly (p≤0.05) in 100 mg/kg alprazolam. In all three doses of alprazolam, the oocytes were mostly in the vitellogenic phase compared to the control group, while in the treated fish in all three doses of Passiflora incarnata, they were mostly in the prenuclear phase. Conclusion: According to the results, alprazolam was probably a stimulant of gonadal development, while extract of Passiflora incarnata inhibited it.