17alpha-Dihydroequilenin increases hippocampal dendritic spine density of ovariectomized rats.

S A Washburn, C E Lewis, J E Johnson, M L Voytko, C A Shively

Index: Brain Res. 758(1-2) , 241-4, (1997)

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Abstract

The effects of estradiol and 17alpha-dihydroequilenin on the apical dendrite spine density of pyramidal cells of the CA1 region of rat hippocampus were compared. 17alpha-Dihydroequilenin was as effective as estradiol in increasing spine densities relative to controls. 17alpha-Dihydroequilenin is not uterotrophic like estradiol but does have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, suggesting that it may be an effective single-agent hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms and reduce chronic disease risk in menopausal women.