Premature death with bladder outlet obstruction and hyperprolactinemia in New Zealand black X New Zealand white mice treated with ethinyl estradiol and 17 beta-estradiol.
OBJECTIVE
To determine causes of death, estrogen toxicity, and hyperprolactinemia in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
Female New Zealand Black x New Zealand White (NZB x NZW) mice were implanted with ethinyl estradiol, 17 beta-estradiol, or empty capsules (controls).


RESULTS
Estrogen-treated mice developed striking hyperprolactinemia and died prematurely with genitourinary complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Implanted estrogens, including 17 beta-estradiol in a dose reported previously to stimulate SLE, contribute to premature death in NZB x NZW mice, through toxic effects. Estrogen therapy increases the level of prolactin, an immunostimulatory hormone.
Walker
S E
SE
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia.
McMurray
R W
RW
Besch-Williford
C L
CL
Keisler
D H
DH
D000818:Animals; D004343:Drug Implants; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics / Q000401:mortality; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains / Q000235:genetics; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
D004343:Drug Implants; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D004958:Estradiol