Effect of 17 β-estradiol on olfactory bulbectomy-induced oxidative stress and behavioral changes in rats

Abstract

The present study evaluated 17β-estradiol (17βE2) (2.5 mg/kg sc) effects on bilateral OBX-induced behavioral changes and oxidative stress. OBX in male Wistar rats produced an increase in lipid peroxidation products and a decline in reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, together with an increase in caspase-3 activity. Additionally, OBX triggered changes of behavior such as an enhancement of immobility time in the forced swim test and hyperactivity in the open field test. These changes were reversed by treatment with 17βE2 (14 days). Our results reveled that 17βE2 has a protective effect against oxidative stress, cell damage and behavioral changes induced by OBX, and present antidepressant and antianxiety properties. © 2008 Tasset et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.