Effects of 17β-estrogen on the expressions of NGF in vascular dementia rats

Objective To observe the effects of intra-abdomina infusion of 17β-estrogen on the expressions of nerve growth factor (NGF) in vascular dementia(VD) rats. Methods Forty-eight male Wister rats were randomly divided into control group (n=16), model group (n = 16) and test group (n=16). Model rats of chronic forebrain ischemia were subjected to permanent bilateral common carotid arteries ligation for 2 months. The rats of three groups were intra-abdomina infused with oil, oil and 17β-estrogen respectively. Cognitive function and the contents of NGF were observed at 60 d after injection of oil or 17β-estrogen by Y maze test, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immnoadsorbent assay(ELISA). Results The number of learning, the correct times for 10 maze tests of VD rats at 60 d after ligation were significantly different from those of the normal rats (P0. 05). Significant recovery of cognitive impairment was found in VD rats infused with 17β-estrogen after 60 days. The expressions of NGF of the VD rats were significantly increased in 60 days after ligation, compared with control group. The expressions of NGF in the test group were significantly higher than those of the model group. So were the contents of NGF in three groups. Conclusion Intra-abdomina dministration of 17β-estrogen significantly improves the cognitive function and increases the contents of NGF in VD rats.