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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol Replacement in Rats and Mice: A Visual Demonstration
Published on: June 7, 2012
Targeted brain delivery of 17 beta-estradiol via nasally administered water soluble prodrugs
Abeer M Al-Ghananeem1, Ashraf A Traboulsi, Lewis W Dittert
1Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
Abstract:
The utility of the nasal route for the systemic delivery of 17beta-estradiol was studied using watersoluble prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol. This delivery method was examined to determine if it will result in preferential delivery to the brain. Several alkyl prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol were prepared and their physicochemical properties were determined. In vitro hydrolysis rate constants in buffer, rat plasma, and rat brain homogenate were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vivo nasal experiments were carried out on rats. Levels of 17beta-estradiol in plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were determined with radioimunoassay using a gamma counter. The study revealed that the aqueous solubilities of the prodrugs were several orders of magnitude greater than 17beta-estradiol with relatively fast in vitro conversion in rat plasma. Absorption was fast following nasal delivery of the prodrugs with high bioavailability. CSF 17beta-estradiol concentration was higher following nasal delivery of the prodrugs compared to an equivalent intravenous dose. It was determined that water-soluble prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol can be administered nasally. These prodrugs are capable of producing high levels of estradiol in the CSF and as a result may have a significant value in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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