Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on basal and pelvic nerve stimulated vaginal lubrication in an animal model.
The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on vaginal tissue integrity and vaginal lubrication in basal conditions and in response to pelvic nerve stimulation (PNS). Two weeks after ovariectomy, female New Zealand White rabbits were administered vehicle or estradiol (200 micrograms/day) for an additional 2 weeks. Ovariectomy caused significant vaginal atrophy and diminished vaginal lubrication in the basal state and after PNS, compared to intact controls. Estrogen replacement normalized lubrication values and tissue wet weight to control levels. In conclusion, vaginal tissue integrity and lubrication are diminished by ovariectomy and are normalized by estrogen replacement.
Department of Urology, Inje University School of Medicine, Pusan, South Korea.
Kweonsik
K
Min
Ricardo
R
Munarriz
Noel N
NN
Kim
Seong
S
Choi
Luke
L
O'Connell
Irwin
I
Goldstein
Abdulmaged M
AM
Traish
D000818:Animals; D001284:Atrophy / Q000473:pathology; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010388:Pelvis / Q000294:innervation*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011817:Rabbits; D014621:Vagina / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D004967:Estrogens