Effect of Tibial Nerve Stimulation on Menopause‐associated Symptoms in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

Human menopause transition and post‐menopausal syndrome, driven by reduced ovarian activity which reduces estrogen levels, are associated with an increased risk for symptoms including but not limited to sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and metabolic disease. Current treatments (both hormonal and non‐hormonal) are limited in efficacy and may have adverse consequences, so investigation for additional treatment options are necessary. Previous studies have demonstrated that tibial nerve stimulation or electro‐acupuncture are minimally invasive treatments that increase vaginal blood flow and serum estrogen in the rat model. In this study we examined the effects of biweekly tibial nerve stimulation (0.2 ms pulse width, 20 Hz, 2× motor threshold) under ketamine‐xylazine anesthesia in female ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague Dawley rats on various measurements that can change in association with menopause (serum estradiol, resting blood glucose, vaginal blood perfusion, uterine weight/histology, and bone density) either at weekly time‐points or during a terminal necropsy. Rats were split into three groups (n = 10 per group): 1) intact + no stimulation, 2) OVX + no stimulation, and 3) OVX + stimulation. Although preliminary data has not shown significant differences between treatment groups, data collection is ongoing and trends are expected after weeks of stimulation. The results of this study will examine the effects of tibial nerve stimulation on various menopause associated symptoms, and help guide recommendations for future studies and treatments.