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Safe and effective method for chronic 17beta-estradiol administration to mice
Justine A Levin-Allerhand1, Karen Sokol, Jonathan D Smith
1Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science
|November 18, 2003
Summary
Pellet-based 17beta-estradiol treatments in mice caused adverse effects like urine retention. Oral administration in drinking water offers a safer, effective method for chronic 17beta-estradiol therapy in mice.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Subcutaneous pellet administration of supraphysiological 17beta-estradiol is common in mouse studies.
- This method, while effective for uterotrophic response, can cause adverse effects including urine retention, hydronephrosis, and premature death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a safer and effective method for chronic 17beta-estradiol administration in mice.
- To compare the efficacy and safety of oral versus pellet-based 17beta-estradiol delivery.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled study treated ovariectomized C57BL/6J mice for 6 weeks.
- 17beta-estradiol was administered orally via drinking water (0.3–1000 nM) or subcutaneously via pellets (0.72 mg or 1.7 mg).
- Uterine weights were measured to assess the uterotrophic response.
Main Results:
- Both oral and pellet routes showed a dose-dependent effect on uterine weight.
- Pellet treatments were associated with urine retention.
- Oral 17beta-estradiol at 200 nM and 1000 nM induced physiological and supraphysiological uterotrophic responses, respectively, without causing urine retention.
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of 17beta-estradiol in drinking water is a safe and effective alternative for chronic treatment in mice.
- This method avoids the adverse effects associated with pellet implants.
- Drinking water administration provides a safe, effective, and economical approach for long-term 17beta-estradiol therapy in mouse models.