Effect of Endogenous Androgens on 17b-Estradiol-Mediated Protection after Spinal Cord Injury in Male Rats

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA, 2010 · DOI: 10.1089=neu.2009.1069 · Published: March 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how testosterone, a male hormone, affects the protective effects of 17b-estradiol (E2) after spinal cord injury (SCI) in male rats. The rats were either gonadectomized (testes removed) or left intact, then subjected to SCI and treated with different doses of E2. The study found that E2 is protective in male rats after SCI and that endogenous testosterone does not alter this E2-mediated protection.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

250 adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Post-SCI administration of 17b-estradiol improves hindlimb locomotion.
2
17b-estradiol administration decreases bladder volume.
3
Estrogen treatment decreases apoptotic cell death in the ventral horn.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that delayed, post-injury administration of 17b-estradiol reduces secondary damage and promotes functional recovery after SCI. Eliminating testicular-derived androgens increases apoptosis but does not alter the protective effect of 17b-estradiol on apoptotic cell death. The findings suggest that testosterone and 17b-estradiol may act by separate mechanisms to reduce apoptosis after SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The study suggests that 17b-estradiol could be an effective therapeutic intervention for reducing secondary damage after SCI in males, which could be readily translated to clinical trials.

Dose and Timing

The findings support the clinical relevance of delayed post-SCI administration of 17b-estradiol at doses currently used in clinical practice.

Combined Therapies

The potential for combined therapies targeting both testosterone and estrogen pathways may offer enhanced neuroprotection strategies after SCI.

Effect of Endogenous Androgens on 17b-Estradiol-Mediated Protection after Spinal Cord Injury in Male Rats

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

Dose and Timing

Combined Therapies

Study Limitations

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Effect of Endogenous Androgens on 17b-Estradiol-Mediated Protection after Spinal Cord Injury in Male Rats

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

Dose and Timing

Combined Therapies

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?