Gonadal steroids regulate dendritic spine density in hippocampal pyramidal cells in adulthood

摘要: Gonadal steroids are known to influence hippocampal physiology in adulthood. It is presently unknown whether gonadal the morphology of neurons adult intact rat brain. In order determine female sex hormones adult, we performed Golgi impregnation on brains from ovariectomized rats and which received estradiol or progesterone replacement. Removal circulating by ovariectomy resulted a profound decrease dendritic spine density CA1 pyramidal cells hippocampus. Estradiol replacement prevented observed density; augmented effect within short time period (5 hr). Ovariectomy steroid did not affect CA3 granule dentate gyrus. These results demonstrate that necessary for maintenance normal cell structure. The course required observe these effects (3 d 5 hr effect) implies may fluctuate during (4-5 d) estrous cycle.