Function In Female Rats Research Articles

Effect of low and high dose of favipiravir on ovarian and reproductive function in female rats: Biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

Favipiravir is a drug which shows antiviral activity by inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Favipiravir causes severe adverse effects at high doses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low and high dose favipiravir on ovarian and reproductive function in female rats. The rats were divided into three groups: HG group (healthy rats), FAV-100 group (rats administered 100 mg/kg favipiravir), and FAV-400 group (rats administered 400 mg/kg favipiravir) with 12 rats in each group. Favipiravir was administered orally twice daily for 1 week. Six rats from each group were euthanized and their ovaries were removed. Oxidative and antioxidant parameters were measured in ovarian tissues and examined histopathologically. The remaining animals were kept to breed. Animals receiving favipiravir had increased oxidant content, decreased antioxidant activity, decreased histopathological damage, infertility, and gestational delay. Favipiravir treatment should be used with caution, especially in women of reproductive age.

In Vivo Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Alters Thyroid Gland Functions in Female Rats

In Vivo Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Alters Thyroid Gland Functions in Female Rats

Effect of Pregnancy and Hypertension on Kidney Function in Female Rats: Modeling and Functional Implications

Effect of Pregnancy and Hypertension on Kidney Function in Female Rats: Modeling and Functional Implications

G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐1 enhances excitatory synaptic responses in the entorhinal cortex

Activation of estrogen receptors is thought to modulate cognitive function in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum by affecting both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. The entorhinal cortex is a major source of cortical sensory and associational input to the hippocampus, but it is unclear whether either estrogens or progestogens may modulate cognitive function through effects on synaptic transmission in the entorhinal cortex. This study assessed the effects of the brief application of either 17-β estradiol (E2) or progesterone on excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the female rat entorhinal cortex in vitro. Rats were ovariectomized on postnatal day (PD) 63 and also received subdermal E2 implants to maintain constant low levels of circulating E2 on par with estrus. Electrophysiological recordings from brain slices were obtained between PD70 and PD86, and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) reflecting the activation of the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex were evoked by the stimulation of layer I afferents. The application of E2 (10nM) for 20 min resulted in a small increase in the amplitude of fEPSPs that reversed during the 30-min washout period. The application of the ERα agonist propylpyrazoletriol (PPT) (100 nM) or the β agonist DPN (1μM) did not significantly affect synaptic responses. However, the application of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER1) agonist G1 (100 nM) induced a reversible increase in fEPSP amplitude similar to that induced by E2. Furthermore, the potentiation of responses induced by G1 was blocked by the GPER1 antagonist G15 (1μM). Application of progesterone (100 nM) or its metabolite allopregnanolone (1μM) did not significantly affect synaptic responses. The potentiation of synaptic transmission in the entorhinal cortex induced by the activation of GPER1 receptors may contribute to the modulation of cognitive function in female rats.

Effects of α‐pyrrolidino‐phenone cathinone stimulants on brain reward function in female rats

Synthetic cathinones, commonly known as “bath salts”, are potent reinforcers and produce stimulant-like effects. In these studies, the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure was used to investigate the facilitation of brain reward functioning, as indexed by reduction in reward thresholds, in female rats following exposure to α-PPP, α-PVP or α-PHP. Female Wistar rats were prepared with unilateral electrodes aimed at the medial forebrain bundle (coordinates: AP -0.5mm, ML ±1.7mm, DV skull -9.5mm). Rats were trained in a procedure adapted from the discrete-trial current-threshold procedure, with thresholds being defined as the mean of four alternating descending-ascending series. Prior to ICSS testing, rats were administered saline vehicle, α-PPP (0-2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), α-PVP (0-2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), α-PHP (0-2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or methamphetamine (0.56 mg/kg, s.c) with a 15 minute pretreatment interval. Active drug days were conducted a maximum of twice per week, separated by at least one nondrug session. Brain reward thresholds were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in rats exposed to α-PPP or α-PHP, with similar efficacy and lesser potency compared with methamphetamine. Exposure to α-PVP resulted in modest decrease in ICSS threshold. These data are the first to confirm the effects of cathinone stimulants on ICSS reward function in female rats. Reduced reward thresholds in the ICSS procedure were consistent with pro-reward effects shown for other psychomotor stimulants such as methamphetamine.

Renal Alterations Induced by Chronic Testosterone Therapy in Adult Female Rats

Testosterone esters are used in clinical conditions such as male hypogonadism. Additionally, it has been used to improve sports performance, increasing muscle mass in both genders, and to affirm gender identity by transgender men. However, few experimental studies have been carried out to evaluate the repercussion of testosterone on female rodents on renal function and blood pressure. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the blood pressure and renal function in female rats subjected chronically to testosterone therapy. Adult female Wistar rats weighing 200 ± 20 g were randomly assigned to receive testosterone (T) or vehicle (control group - C). Group T received testosterone cypionate (3.0 mg/kg, i.m.) and C received vehicle oil every 10 days for 4 months. Renal function and blood pressure were evaluated at 6 months of age. Urine was collected in metabolic cages for 24 h. Plasma and urine concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, osmolality, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured. The kidneys were weighed, paraffin-embedded, and histological sections were prepared to evaluate the glomerular area. When compared to C, the group T had higher values of BP [C: 119±1.0; T: 131±1.4; mmHg], lower GFR [C: 0.78±0.02; T: 0.67±0.03; ml/min/g kidney weight], increased proteinuria [C: 2.9±0.2; T: 6.2±0.9 mg/24 h], increased kidney weight [C: 1.8±0.04; T: 2.2±0.06; g] and glomerular hypertrophy [C: 7884±112.8; T: 8917±152.4; µm2]. Urinary osmolality and sodium and potassium excretion were similar in both groups. Testosterone therapy in female rats increased blood pressure and induced renal changes that may be related to adaptations caused by the hormonal treatment that carried female rats close to male physiological conditions.

Disruption of Ovarian Utilisation of Proteins by Tetrapleuratetraptera Fruit Extract Impairs Estrous Cycle and Ovarian Functions in Female Rats

Aim: Reports that some phytochemicals interfere with reproductive functions, in both humans and animals necessitated this study which is aimed at determining the effects of fruit extract of Tetrapleuratetrapteraon oestrous cycle and ovarian functions in females.&#x0D; Methods: Adult female wistar rats weighing 160-180 g with regular 4-5 days oestrus cycle were selected into 4 groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 (control) administered 1ml distilled water; groups II, III and IV were daily treated with the extract at doses 75 mg/kg, 150mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight respectively, orally for 21 days. Microscopic evaluation of vaginal smear was done daily to determine the various stages of the estrous cycle, their duration, as well as the estrous cycle length. After 24 hours of last administration, each rat was weighed, sacrificed, and right ovary was homogenised and the homogenate used for analyses of total protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, according to standard protocols.&#x0D; Results: There was significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in duration of diestrus phase and estrous cycle length in all the extract-treated groups, compared to control animals. Also, there was relative reductions in the duration for proestrus (p&lt;0.05), estrus (p&lt;0.05) and metestrus (p&lt;0) phases of the cycle, with a relative increase in duration for diestrus phase (p&lt;0.05) in animals treated with 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg body weight respectively. In addition, a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase was observed in ovarian Protein, and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity; as well as significant (P &lt; 0.05) reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and in weight gain in the test animals, compared to the control.&#x0D; Conclusion:Tetrapleuratetrapterafruit extract disrupts ovarian utilisation of proteins in the ovaries, thereby impairing oestrous cyclicity, and body weight. These could result to infertility.

Cross-sex testosterone therapy modifies the renal morphology and function in female rats and might underlie increased systolic pressure.

Testosterone esters are hormones commonly used for affirming gender identity in transmen. The present study evaluates the effect of testosterone on renal morphology and function in an animal model submitted to cross-sex hormone therapy used for transmen. Two-month-old Wistar rats were divided into three groups: male control (MC), female control (FC), and female on testosterone therapy (FTT). The FTT group received testosterone cypionate (3.0mg/kg, i.m.), and the MC and MF groups received vehicle oil every 10days for 4months. Renal function and indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements were evaluated at 6months of age. Plasma and urine concentrations of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, osmolality, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured. The kidneys were weighed, paraffin-embedded, and histological sections were prepared to evaluate the glomerular area. We verified that the FTT group, in comparison to FC, had increased kidney weight [MC,3.2±0.05; FC,1.8±0.04; FTT,2.2±0.06; g], decreased urine osmolarity [MC,486.9±18.3; FC,1012.0±5.4; FTT,768.2±40.3mOsm/L/g kw], reduced GFR [MC,0.77±0.04; FC,0.78±0.02; FTT,0.67±0.03; mL/min/gkw], larger glomerular area [MC,9334±120.8; FC,7884±112.8; FTT,9078±133.4µm2 ], and higher SBP [MC,126±3.4; FC,119±1.0; FTT,131±1.4; mmHg]. Sodium excretion was higher in FC and FTT in comparison to MC [MC,0.34±0.05; FC,0.56±0.06; FTT,0.54±0.04; mEq/24h/g kw]. Cross-sex hormone therapy with testosterone in female rats induces renal morphofunctional changes and may underlie increased systolic pressure, suggesting an adaptation similar to what is observed in transmen on long-term testosterone therapy.

ORAL ETHINYLESTRADIOL-LEVONORGESTREL COUNTERACTS FRUCTOSE IMPACTS ON RENAL METABOLIC FUNCTION IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Objective: Renal function is critical in the regulation of cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure and endothelial factors. However, evidence suggests that the excessive intake of fructose (FRU) induces insulin resistance (IR)-associated renal impairment, which perhaps contribute to global increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Similarly, the use of estrogen-progestin formulation of oral contraceptive (EEL) has been associated with metabolic disruption with consequent attendant CVD risk factors, and its non-contraceptive benefits especially in metabolic pathologies remain inconclusive. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of EEL on renal metabolic function in female rats exposed to high fructose drink. Design and method: Female Wistar rats weighing 140–170 g were randomly allotted into control, EEL, FRU and EEL+FRU groups (6 rats per group). The groups received vehicle (p.o.), EEL containing 1.0 μg ethinylestradiol plus 5.0 μg levonorgestrel (p.o.), fructose (10%; w/v) and EEL plus FRU respectively, daily for 8 weeks. Insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity were estimated by homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA-IR), HOMA-beta and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) respectively. Plasma and tissue biochemical parameters were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits or fluorescence assay as appropriate. Results: Data revealed that FRU or EEL caused IR, impaired glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia with corresponding increase in plasma or renal triglyceride, total cholesterol, atherogenic lipid, xanthine oxidase, uric acid, lactate synthesis, renal glycogen synthesis, decreased plasma or renal adenosine, glucose-6-dehydrogenase (G6PD) and glutathione (GSH). High fructose but not EEL increased plasma glucose, urea and creatinine, plasma or renal gamma-glutamyl transferase, malondialdehyde and decreased plasma or renal NO and pancreatic beta-cell function. Interestingly, these alterations were attenuated when EEL was concomitantly administered with FRU exposure. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate that high fructose intake causes renal impairment, attributable to lipid and glycogen deposition, and collectively accompanied by excessive lipid peroxidation, impaired NO/adenosine-dependent endothelial function and defective G6PD/GSH-dependent antioxidant defense. The findings also suggest that EEL blots the renal effects of high fructose by possibly improving insulin sensitivity, endothelial function and antioxidant defense.

The Impact of Neonatal Methamphetamine on Spatial Learning and Memory in Adult Female Rats.

The present study was aimed at evaluating cognitive changes following neonatal methamphetamine exposure in combination with repeated treatment in adulthood of female Wistar rats. Pregnant dams and their pups were used in this study. One half of the offspring were treated indirectly via the breast milk of injected mothers, and the other half of pups were treated directly by methamphetamine injection. In the group with indirect exposure, mothers received methamphetamine (5 mg/ml/kg) or saline (1 ml/kg) between postnatal days (PD) 1–11. In the group with direct exposure, none of the mothers were treated. Instead, progeny were either: (1) treated with injected methamphetamine (5 mg/ml/kg); or (2) served as controls and received sham injections (no saline, just a needle stick) on PD 1–11. Learning ability and memory consolidation were tested on PD 70–90 in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) using three tests: Place Navigation Test, Probe Test, and Memory Recall Test. Adult female progeny were injected daily, after completion of the last trial of MWM tests, with saline or methamphetamine (1 mg/ml/kg). The effects of indirect/direct neonatal methamphetamine exposure combined with acute adult methamphetamine treatment on cognitive functions in female rats were compared. Statistical analyses showed that neonatal drug exposure worsened spatial learning and the ability to remember the position of a hidden platform. The study also demonstrated that direct methamphetamine exposure has a more significant impact on learning and memory than indirect exposure. The acute dose of the drug did not produce any changes in cognitive ability. Analyses of search strategies (thigmotaxis, scanning) used by females during the Place Navigation Test and Memory Recall Test confirmed all these results. Results from the present study suggested extensive deficits in learning skills and memory of female rats that may be linked to the negative impact of neonatal methamphetamine exposure.

The influence of dry extract Potentilla alba L. on the generative function of female rats

The influence of dry extract Potentilla alba L. on the generative function of female rats

Generative Function of Female Rats Upon Intragastric Administration of Tablets of the New Steroid Drug Gestobutanoil

The generative function of female rats upon intragastric administration of tablets of gestobutanoil at doses of 0.25 and 2.5 mg/kg (calculated doses corresponding to the therapeutic dose and ten times higher) was studied. Gestobutanoil was administered two weeks before pregnancy, which corresponded to 2 – 3 estrous cycles. Gestobutanoil at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg exhibited progestogen activity. The duration of estrus, the fertility index, and the numbers of pregnancy corpus lutea and live fetuses increased in female rats. Administration of gestobutanoil at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg produced a contraceptive effect that manifested as a prolonged estrous cycle and a reduction of fertility and numbers of corpus lutea and fetuses. Gestobutanoil at both doses did not produce a teratogenic effect and did not affect the vitality of F1 offspring (survival, body-weight dynamics, sensory-motor behavior development).

Impact of intrauterine hypoxia on adolescent and adult cognitive function in rat offspring: sexual differences and the effects of spermidine intervention.

Intrauterine hypoxia (IUH) affects the growth and development of offspring. It remains unclear that how long the impact of IUH on cognitive function lasts and whether sexual differences exist. Spermidine (SPD) has shown to improve cognition, but its effect on the cognitive function of IUH offspring remains unknown. In the present study we investigated the influence of IUH on body weight and neurological, motor and cognitive function and the expression of APP, BACE1 and Tau5 proteins in brain tissues in 2- and 4-month-old IUH rat offspring, as well as the effects of SPD intervention on these parameters. IUH rat model was established by treating pregnant rats with intermittent hypoxia on gestational days 15-21, meanwhile pregnant rats were administered SPD (5 mg·kg-1·d-1;ip) for 7 days. Neurological deficits were assessed in the Longa scoring test; motor and cognitive functions were evaluated in coat hanger test and active avoidance test, respectively. We found that IUH decreased the body weight of rats in both sexes but merely impaired motor and cognitive function in female rats without changing neurological function in the rat offspring of either sex at 2 months of age. For 4-month-old offspring, IUH decreased body weight in males and impaired neurological function and increased cognitive function in both sexes. IUH did not affect APP, BACE1 or Tau5 protein expression in either the hippocampus or cortex of all offspring; however, it increased the cortical Tau5 level in 2-month-old female offspring. Surprisingly, SPD intervention prevented weight loss. SPD intervention reversed the motor and cognitive decline caused by IUH in 2-month-old female rat offspring. Taken together, IUH-induced cognitive decline in rat offspring is sex-dependent during puberty and can be recovered in adult rats. SPD intervention improves IUH-induced cognitive and neural function decline.

Melatonin ameliorates ketoconazole-induced increase in thyroid function

Background&#x0D; The antithyroid effect of ketoconazole has been reported. The secretion and action of melatonin in the thyroid gland are also known. However, the possible effect of melatonin on ketoconazole-induced antithyroid effect is unknown.&#x0D; Objective&#x0D; We sought to investigate the modulatory effect of ketoconazole and/or melatonin on thyroid function in female rats.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Groups 1-4 of female rats respectively underwent 14-day treatment with normal saline, 25 mg/kg ketoconazole, 4 mg/kg melatonin and 10 mg/kg melatonin. Groups 5 and 6 both received 14-day treatment with ketoconazole and were respectively treated with 4 mg/kg melatonin and 10 mg/kg melatonin simultaneously. Groups 7 and 8 respectively underwent 14-day pretreatment with 4 mg/kg melatonin and 10 mg/kg melatonin, followed by 14-day administration of ketoconazole to both groups. Groups 9 and 10 were both treated with ketoconazole for 14 days, followed by respective 14-day administration of 4 mg/kg melatonin and 10 mg/kg melatonin.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; TSH, T3, T4, and iodine concentrations were increased by separate administration of ketoconazole and either dose of melatonin when compared to control. However, pre-treatment or post-treatment of ketoconazole-treated rats with melatonin abolished the ketoconazole-induced increase in TSH, T3, T4, and iodine while co-administration of ketoconazole with melatonin caused no improvement in the ketoconazole-induced increase in TSH, T3, and T4 except iodine concentration.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Ketoconazole increased thyroid function, which was ameliorated by pre- or post-treatment with melatonin, possibly via modulation of the iodination process.&#x0D; Keywords: Iodine; Ketoconazole; Melatonin; Thyroid function; Toxicity

Effect of GABA-T on Reproductive Function in Female Rats.

Simple SummaryThis study evaluated the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) on reproduction in female rats. Our results showed that GABA-T expressed in the reproductive axis of female rats at different developmental stages, and inhibiting GABA-T affected Rfrp-3, Gnrh and Kiss1 mRNA transcription levels in hypothalamic and reduced the concentration of GABA-T, LH, and P4 in serum. At the same time, the initiation of the puberty was delayed, and led to disordered estrous cycle and reduced breastfeeding performance in adult female rats. This study showed that GABA-T affects the reproductive function of female rats by regulating the levels of Gnrh, Kiss1 and Rfrp-3 in the hypothalamus as well as the concentrations of LH and P4.This study explored the role of γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) in the puberty and reproductive performance of female rats. Immunofluorescence technique, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the distribution of GABA-T and the expression of genes and hormones in female rats, respectively. The results showed that GABA-T was mainly distributed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and periventricular nucleus (PeN) of the hypothalamus, and in the adenohypophysis, ovarian granulosa cells and oocytes. Abat mRNA level at 28 d was lowest in the hypothalamus and the pituitary; at puberty, it was lowest in the ovary. Abat mRNA level was highest in adults in the hypothalamus; at infancy and puberty, it was highest in the pituitary; and at 21 d it was highest in the ovary. After vigabatrin (GABA-T irreversible inhibitor) was added to hypothalamus cells, the levels of Abat mRNA and Rfrp-3 mRNA were significantly reduced, but Gnrh mRNA increased at the dose of 25 and 50 μg/mL; Kiss1 mRNA was significantly increased but Gabbr1 mRNA was reduced at the 50 μg/mL dose. In prepubertal rats injected with vigabatrin, puberty onset was delayed. Abat mRNA, Kiss1 mRNA and Gnrh mRNA levels were significantly reduced, but Rfrp-3 mRNA level increased in the hypothalamus. Vigabatrin reduced the concentrations of GABA-T, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P4), and the ovarian index. Lactation performance was reduced in adult rats with vigabatrin treatment. Four hours after vigabatrin injection, the concentrations of GABA-T and LH were significantly reduced in adult and 25 d rats, but follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased in 25 d rats. In conclusion, GABA-T affects the reproductive function of female rats by regulating the levels of Gnrh, Kiss1 and Rfrp-3 in the hypothalamus as well as the concentrations of LH and P4.

The protective effect of platelet-rich plasma administrated on ovarian function in female rats with Cy-induced ovarian damage

We evaluated the protective effect of PRP on ovarian function in female rats with cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced ovarian damage. Thirty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (control-sodium chloride 0.9%; 1mL/kg, single-dose ip injection), group 2 (Cy); 75mg/kg, single-dose ip injection and sodium chloride 0.9% (1mL/kg, single-dose ip injection), group 3 Cy plus PRP, Cy (75mg/kg, single-dose and PRP (200μl, single-dose) ip injection), group 4 (PRP, 200μl, single-dose ip injection). Primordial, antral, and atretic follicle counts; serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels; AMH-positive granulosa cells; and gene expression analysis of Ddx4 were assessed. Serum AMH levels were significantly lower in group 2 compared to groups 1, 3, and 4 (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p = 0.04, respectively). A significant difference was found in the primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and atretic follicle counts between all groups (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in AMH-positive staining primary, secondary, and antral follicles count between the groups (p < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in primary, secondary, and antral AMH positive staining follicle intensity score between the groups (p < 0.01). Ddx4 expression in group 4 was highest compared to other groups. Our study may provide evidence that PRP could protect ovarian function against ovarian damage induced by Cy. It could lead to improved primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicle numbers.

Abstract WP153: Post-Stroke Physical Exercise Improves Cognition in Middle-Aged Female Rats

Background: A woman’s risk of a stroke increases exponentially following the onset of menopause, andpost-stroke cognitive decline is a significant consequence of stroke survivors. Our earlier study demonstrated that physical exercise (PE) reduced post-stroke brain injury and improved cognitive functions in male rats. The focus of our study is on the improvement of post-stroke cognitive function in female rats. Methods: Reproductively senescent Sprague-Dawley female rats were exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO; 90 min) and randomly assigned to either PE or sham-PE groups. After 3-5 days, rats underwent sham-PE (0m/min speed) or PE (15m/min speed) for 30 mins either every day (continuous) or alternate day for five times on treadmill. The rats that underwent the alternate day paradigm were treated with ER-β agonist (DPN; 1mg/kg) or vehicle-DMSO immediately following PE/sham-PE sessions to determine the synergistic effect. Twenty-one days after the last PE/sham-PE, rats were tested for hippocampal-dependent contextual fear conditioning and freeze time was measured. Rat brains were processed for histology and infarct area was measured with MCID software. From a separate cohort of rat subjected to PE or sham-PE, brain tissue was harvested for various biochemical assays and mitochondrial enzyme activity measurements. Results: Post-tMCAO continuous PE did not reduce ischemic damage. However, alternate PE regimen with or without ER-β agonist reduced infract volume by 20% (p &lt; 0.05) and 23% (p &lt; 0.05), respectively as compared to no-PE. Similarly, alternate PE showed increased freezing on the second day of fear conditioning by 15% (p &lt; 0.05), indicating improved spatial memory. Individual mitochondrial complex I, II, III and IV enzyme activity measurements demonstrated significant improvement in complex III-IV enzyme activities in the alternate PE treated group as compared to sham-PE. Conclusion: An alternate day PE paradigm and ER-β activation improves post-stroke mitochondrial enzyme activities and cognition in reproductively senescent female rats. Future studies delineating underlying mechanism could help identify therapies to prevent/reduce cognitive decline in menopausal female stroke patients.

Pirimiphos-methyl modulates the timing of puberty and ovarian functions in female rats

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

High fat-low protein diet induces metabolic alterations and cognitive dysfunction in female rats.

Approximately one-third of the world population is suffering from MetS, and the same is expected to rise in the years to come. Worldwide, most of the staple diets contain high amounts of carbohydrates, fats and comparatively low quantities of proteins. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of high fat-low protein diet in the development of the metabolic syndrome and associated cognitive deficits in the female rats. The rats fed with high fat-low protein diet (HFLPD) and 15% oral fructose solution for 24weeks. Body weight, food intake, water intake, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and serum lipid profile weremeasured after every 4weeks. Serum insulin, HOMA-IR index, rectal temperature, and systolic blood pressure were measured to confirm the manifestation of the hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. Behavioral tests for locomotion, anxiety, learning, and spatial memory were performed from the 12th week to till the end of the study. At the 24th week, oxidative stress assays and histopathology of liver, kidney, brain, and WAT werealso performed. HFLPD significantly altered the physiologic and metabolic parameters which contributed to the manifestation of MetS. HFLPD also impaired the cognitive functions along with significant structural changes in the liver, kidney, WAT, and brain. The findings of this study reveal that HFLPD has the potential to induce the physiological, metabolic and histological alterations in rats, which eventually led to the development of MetS and also disrupted the cognitive functions in female rats.

Effect of Molybdenum Trioxide Nanoparticles on Ovary Function in Female Rats

Effect of Molybdenum Trioxide Nanoparticles on Ovary Function in Female Rats