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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Murine Orchiectomy and Ovariectomy to Reduce Sex Hormone Production
Published on: November 17, 2023
Murine Orchiectomy and Ovariectomy to Reduce Sex Hormone Production
Ashley A Rowe1, Yacine Issioui1, Blessing Johnny1
1Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Abstract:
Sex hormone signaling plays a critical role in multiple organ systems as well as in the progression of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disease. The manipulation of sex hormone levels in the murine model system allows for the study of their impact on organs/tissues and within disease progression. Orchiectomy - the surgical removal of the testes - and ovariectomy - the surgical removal of the ovaries - provide a method to deplete the endogenous sex hormones so that the precise hormone levels can be provided through drug or other delivery methods. Here, we provide rapid and minimally invasive methods for both orchiectomy and ovariectomy in the murine model system for the reduction of sex hormones. This protocol details the surgical preparation and excision of the testes through the scrotal sac, and excision of the ovaries via two incisions in the right and left lateral dorsum.
Insights
This study presents rapid, minimally invasive surgical methods for orchiectomy (testes removal) and ovariectomy (ovaries removal) in mice. These techniques effectively reduce sex hormones for research purposes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical techniques
- Murine models
Background:
- Sex hormone signaling is crucial for physiological functions and disease progression, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Manipulating sex hormone levels in murine models aids in studying their systemic effects and disease impact.
- Orchiectomy and ovariectomy are established methods to deplete endogenous sex hormones for experimental control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish rapid and minimally invasive surgical protocols for orchiectomy and ovariectomy in mice.
- To provide a reliable method for reducing endogenous sex hormone levels in the murine model.
Main Methods:
- Surgical preparation and scrotal sac excision for orchiectomy.
- Bilateral dorsolateral incisions for ovariectomy.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques for efficient sex hormone depletion.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of rapid and minimally invasive orchiectomy and ovariectomy procedures.
- Effective reduction of endogenous sex hormone levels in the murine model.
Conclusions:
- The described protocols offer efficient and minimally invasive approaches for sex hormone manipulation in mice.
- These methods facilitate further research into the roles of sex hormones in health and disease.
