acid-phosphatase and estradiol-dipropionate

Our previous studies demonstrated that estrogen (E2) prevents the development of disuse atrophy of the femur in tail-suspended rats. To elucidate the mechanisms of this E2 action, we investigated the effects of E2 on the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP, a marker for bone formation) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP, a marker for bone resorption) in the femur of ovariectomized and tail-suspended rats. One group of ovariectomized rats received estradiol dipropionate (OVX-E2), and the other the vehicle alone (OVX). Each group was subjected to tail-suspension. After 1, 3, 5 or 7 days of suspension, ALP and TRAP mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis. The ALP mRNA level was not altered by suspension in the OVX group, but it gradually increased in the OVX-E2 group, the highest level being observed at day 5 of suspension. In contrast, TRAP mRNA significantly increased at days 5 and 7 in the OVX group, while it is decreased significantly from day 3 to 7 in the OVX-E2 group. These results indicate that E2 prevents disuse atrophy of the femur in an ovariectomized and tail-suspended rat model by stimulating bone formation and by inhibiting bone resorption.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Biomarkers; Estradiol; Female; Femur; Hindlimb Suspension; Isoenzymes; Osteoporosis; Ovariectomy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase; Time Factors

Subcutaneous administration of neem oil to cyclic rats caused significant damage to the luminal epithelium of the uterus and to the uterine glands. It also decreased glycogen and total protein contents in the ovary and uterus, while the activity of acid phosphatase in these organs was increased significantly. Studies in ovariectomized rats revealed that the administration of neem oil decreased protein and glycogen content and increased acid phosphatase activity in the uterus whereas its conjoint administration with estradiol dipropionate or progesterone did not cause significant changes relative to those seen with the steroids per se. Histological studies in ovariectomized rats also supported the relatively inert action of neem oil when given with hormones. It was concluded that the histological and biochemical alterations observed were due to the toxicological potential of the neem oil rather than to hormonal properties.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Contraceptives, Postcoital; Estradiol; Female; Glycerides; Glycogen; Ovariectomy; Ovary; Plant Oils; Progesterone; Proteins; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Terpenes; Uterus