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Brain alterations in ovariohysterectomized rats revealed by diffusion tensor imaging
Chun-Yi Wu1, Hsin-Hua Hsieh1, Sheng-Min Huang2
1Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei Branch, Taipei.
Neuroreport
|July 28, 2023
Summary
Ovariohysterectomy in rats led to reduced fractional anisotropy, indicating neuronal injury and demyelination. This suggests a need for neuroimaging to monitor brain changes in women post-hysterectomy with oophorectomy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hysterectomy with oophorectomy increases Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease risk in women.
- Limited neuroimaging data exists on brain changes post-surgery.
- Ovarian hormone loss may impact brain integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ovariohysterectomy on brain integrity in a rat model.
- To utilize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for assessing brain changes.
- To provide novel insights into potential neurobiological consequences of surgical menopause.
Main Methods:
- 13 rats per group: control and ovariohysterectomy.
- Ovariohysterectomy performed at 7 weeks of age.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans at 9 weeks, analyzing fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity.
Main Results:
- Ovariohysterectomy group showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy (P < 0.05) in the corpus callosum, striatum, and cortex.
- Lower fractional anisotropy suggests neuronal injury and demyelination.
- Mean diffusivity showed no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Ovariohysterectomy in rats is associated with widespread reductions in fractional anisotropy, indicating neuronal injury.
- Findings suggest potential demyelination in brain regions following ovariohysterectomy.
- Recommends neuroimaging for monitoring brain alterations in women after hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy.
