Hormones restore biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues after surgical menopause in young rats.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to determine the impact of hormones on the biomechanical properties of the vagina and its supportive tissues following surgical menopause in young vs middle-aged rats.


METHODS
Long-Evans rats (4-month virgin [n = 34], 4-month parous [n = 36], and 9-month parous [n = 34]), underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery. OVX animals received hormones (estrogen [E2] or estrogen plus progesterone [E2 plus P4]), placebo, or a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (chemically modified tetracycline-8 [CMT-8]). Animals were euthanized after 8 weeks and the biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues determined. Data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and posthoc tests.


RESULTS
OVX induced a rapid decline in the biomechanical properties of pelvic tissues in young but not middle-aged rats. Supplementation with E2, E2 plus P4, or CMT-8 restored tissues of young rats to control levels with no effect on middle-aged tissues. Parity did not have an impact on tissue behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
OVX has a differential effect on the tissues of young vs middle-aged rats.
Moalli
Pamela A
PA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Debes
Kristen M
KM
Meyn
Leslie A
LA
Howden
Nancy S
NS
Abramowitch
Steven D
SD
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D023421:Models, Animal; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000494:pharmacology; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*
D004967:Estrogens; D013754:Tetracyclines; C117153:tetracycline CMT-8; D011374:Progesterone