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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
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Estrogen-Like Effect of Bazi Bushen Capsule in Ovariectomized Rats
Published on: April 7, 2023
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Memory and exploratory behavior impairment in ovariectomized Wistar rats
Sefirin Djiogue1, Armando Blondel Djiyou Djeuda2, Paul Faustin Seke Etet3
1Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon. sefirin.djiogue@gmail.com.
Behavioral and Brain Functions : BBF
|July 18, 2018
Summary
Ovariectomy in rats significantly impairs long-term non-spatial and spatial memory, alongside exploratory behaviors. These findings highlight the critical role of estrogen in cognitive function, particularly in memory processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Estrogen deficiency is associated with physiological changes, but its impact on cognitive function during menopause remains debated.
- Ovariectomy (OVX) in female rats serves as a model to investigate estrogen's role in cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of ovariectomy on memory and exploratory behavior in Wistar rats.
- To elucidate the relationship between estrogen levels and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Ovariectomy, sham operation, and control groups of Wistar rats were established.
- Cognitive functions (short-term/long-term non-spatial and spatial memory) and exploratory behaviors were assessed over 12 weeks using object recognition and placement tests, and open field arena.
- Behavioral assessments included locomotor activity, vertical activity, and center time exploration.
Main Results:
- Ovariectomized rats exhibited significant deficits in long-term non-spatial memory (~40%) and spatial memory (~30%) starting from week 2 post-surgery.
- Exploratory behavior was affected from week 5, showing decreased locomotion, rearing, and time spent in the arena's center (~40-60%).
Conclusions:
- Sex hormones, specifically estrogen, play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive functions, including memory, in female rats.
- Discrepancies in the literature regarding menopause-related cognitive decline may stem from differential impacts on short-term versus long-term memory processes.
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