Effects of 17[beta]-estradiol and its isomer 17[alpha]-estradiol on learning in rats with chronic cholinergic deficiency in the brain

• Published in: Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine Vol. 129; no. 5; p. 442
• Main Authors: Lermontova, N N, P'chev, V K, Beznosko, B K, Van'kin, G I, Ivanova, T A, Koroleva, I V, Lukoyanova, E A, Mukhina, T V, Serkova, T P, Bachurin, S O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01.05.2000
• Subjects: Hormones; Nervous system
• ISSN: 0007-4888; 1573-8221
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02439796

It was shown for the first time that estrogens 17β- and 17α-estradiols compensate impaired cognitive functions in rats with partial chronic deprivation of cholinergic functions in the central nervous system induced by intracerebral administration of selective cholinergic neurotoxin AF64A. 17β-Estradiol produced strong dose-dependent changes in the weights of hormone-sensitive endocrine glands, while 17α-estradiol did not affect the weight of the gonads and slightly influenced (in high concentration) the weights of the adrenal glands and thymus. The positive effects of exogenous 17β- and 17α-estradiols on cognitive functions are due to their antioxidant properties, rather than due to specific action on hormone-sensitive endocrine glands.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]