Lack of protective effect of estrogens on cerebral Aβ levels in intact female and male APP transgenic mice

Abstract

AbstractIn previous experiments, treatment with either 17β‐estradiol or 17α‐estradiol decreased cerebral β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) levels in ovariectomized female APPSWE transgenic mice, a mouse model for Alzheimer disease‐like pathology. However, no effect of ovariectomy itself on cerebral Aβ levels was observed. In the current study, intact female and male APPIND,SWE transgenic mice were treated chronically with oral 17β‐estradiol or 17α‐estradiol. These treatments did not reduce cerebral Aβ levels or amyloid plaque counts vs. vehicle treated mice. In fact, 17β‐estradiol treatment of the intact female mice led to a significant increase in cerebral Aβ levels. Drug Dev. Res. 66:136–141, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.