Safe and effective method for chronic 17beta-estradiol administration to mice.
Supraphysiological 17beta-estradiol treatment administered via subcutaneous pellets is commonly used in mice. However, despite its efficacy in eliciting a uterotrophic response, we demonstrate that this regimen also was associated with urine retention, hydronephrosis, and ultimately premature death. To determine a safer yet still effective method to chronically treat mice with 17beta-estradiol, we initiated a placebo-controlled study to treat ovariectomized C57BL/6J mice for 6 weeks with various doses of 17beta-estradiol administered either in their drinking water (0.3 to 1000 nM) or via pellets (0.72 mg or 1.7 mg). Uterine weights demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of 17beta-estradiol administered either orally or via pellets; however, the pellet treatments resulted in urine retention. Treatment with either 200 or 1000 nM 17beta-estradiol in the drinking water yielded physiological and supraphysiological uterotrophic responses, respectively, without urine retention, providing safe, effective, and economical ways to treat mice chronically with 17beta-estradiol.
Levin-Allerhand
Justine A
JA
Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Sokol
Karen
K
Smith
Jonathan D
JD
D000818:Animals; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology*
D004958:Estradiol