Estrogen affects performance of ovariectomized rats in a two-choice water-escape working memory task

O'Neal, Margaret F.; Means, Larry W.; Poole, Max C.; Hamm, Robert J.

doi:10.1016/0306-4530(95)00032-1

Cited by 152 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…There are a number of studies suggesting that learning ability varies over the course of the estrous cycle in female rats (29)(30)(31)(32)(33), although several other studies have not found any changes (34,35). In addition, estrogen replacement therapy appears to preserve memory function in post-menopausal women (36,37), as well as in ovariectomized female rats (38). Thus, exposure to environmental chemicals that have estrogenic or antiestrogenic actions could also impact cognitive function during adulthood and aging.…”

Section: Role Of Hormones In Brain Development and Cognitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in animals.

Schantz

Widholm

2001

Environ Health Perspect

221

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A large number of chemical pollutants including phthalates, alkylphenolic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, organochlorine pesticides, bisphenol A, and metals including lead, mercury, and cadmium have the ability to disrupt endocrine function in animals. Some of these same chemicals have been shown to alter cognitive function in animals and humans. Because hormonally mediated events play a central role in central nervous system development and function, a number of researchers have speculated that the changes in cognitive function are mediated by the endocrine-like actions of these chemicals. In this paper we review the evidence that cognitive effects of chemicals classified as environmental endocrine disruptors are mediated by changes in hormonal function. We begin by briefly reviewing the role of gonadal steroids, thyroid hormones, and glucocorticoids in brain development and brain function. We then review the endocrine changes and cognitive effects that have been reported for selected endocrine-disrupting chemicals, discuss the evidence for causal relationships between endocrine disruption and cognitive effects, and suggest directions for future research.

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Section: Role Of Hormones In Brain Development and Cognitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in animals.

Schantz

Widholm

2001

Environ Health Perspect

221

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“…Because the hippocampus has been demonstrated to be one of the main hormone-sensitive targets in the brain, hippocampus dependent cognitive functions, such as spatial-memory tasks, were investigated. Results are mixed, showing differences in associations to endogenous and exogenous hormonal variation, dose-and durationspecific reactions, and interactions between different gonadal hormones on cognitive functions (e.g., Bimonte and Denenberg, 1999;Chesler and Juraska, 2000;Gibbs, 2000;Korol and Kolo, 2002;O'Neal et al, 1996;Stackman et al, 1997). Some studies find evidence for decreased spatial abilities (i.e., spatial learning and spatial recognition memory) in high-estrogen phases during the cycle (e.g., Galea and Kavaliers, 1995;Lacreuse et al, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some studies find evidence for decreased spatial abilities (i.e., spatial learning and spatial recognition memory) in high-estrogen phases during the cycle (e.g., Galea and Kavaliers, 1995;Lacreuse et al, 2001). Other studies revealed that NeuroImage 118 (2015) [154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161][162] estrogen administration in ovariectomized rats results in better spatial performance (i.e., spatial working memory; Fader et al, 1998;O'Neal et al, 1996). Lastly, some researchers report stable spatial-memory performance across the estrous cycle (Stackman et al, 1997).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hippocampal volume and functional connectivity changes during the female menstrual cycle

et al. 2015

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Hippocampal volume has been shown to be sensitive to variations in estrogen and progesterone levels across rodents' estrous cycle. However, little is known about the covariation of hormone levels and brain structure in the course of the human menstrual cycle. Here, we examine this covariation with a multi-method approach that includes several brain imaging methods and hormonal assessments. We acquired structural and functional scans from 21 naturally cycling women on four time points during their cycles (early follicular phase, late follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase). Hormone blood concentrations and cognitive performance in different domains were assessed on each of the measurement occasions. Structural MRI images were processed by means of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry and FreeSurfer. With either method, bilateral increases in hippocampal volume were found in the late follicular phase relative to the early follicular phase. The gray matter probability in regions of hippocampal volume increase was associated with lower mean diffusivity in the same region. In addition, we observed higher functional connectivity between the hippocampi and the bilateral superior parietal lobe in the late follicular phase. We did not find any reliable cycle-related performance variations on the cognitive tasks. The present results show that hormonal fluctuations covary with hippocampal structure and function in the course of the human menstrual cycle.

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“…The gonadal hormone estradiol (E2) has beneficial effects on the formation of hippocampus-dependent memory (Farr et al, 1995;O'Neal et al, 1996;Gibbs et al, 1998;Shors et al, 1998;Leuner et al, 2004;Rhodes and Frye, 2004). During the estrous cycle, pyramidal cells in the hippocampus are subject to major changes including morphological changes (Woolley and McEwen, 1993;Adams et al, 2001) and modifications in synaptic efficacy (Warren et al, 1995;Cordoba Montoya and Carrer, 1997;Good et al, 1999;Vouimba et al, 2000;Mukai et al, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estradiol Improves Cerebellar Memory Formation by Activating Estrogen Receptor β

Andreescu¹,

Milojkovic²,

Haasdijk³

et al. 2007

J. Neurosci.

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Learning motor skills is critical for motor abilities such as driving a car or playing piano. The speed at which we learn those skills is subject to many factors. Yet, it is not known to what extent gonadal hormones can affect the achievement of accurate movements in time and space. Here we demonstrate via different lines of evidence that estradiol promotes plasticity in the cerebellar cortex underlying motor learning. First, we show that estradiol enhances induction of long-term potentiation at the parallel fiber to Purkinje cell synapse, whereas it does not affect long-term depression; second, we show that estradiol activation of estrogen receptor ␤ receptors in Purkinje cells significantly improves gain-decrease adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, whereas it does not affect general eye movement performance; and third, we show that estradiol increases the density of parallel fiber to Purkinje cell synapses, whereas it does not affect the density of climbing fiber synapses. We conclude that estradiol can improve motor skills by potentiating cerebellar plasticity and synapse formation. These processes may be advantageous during periods of high estradiol levels of the estrous cycle or pregnancy.

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Estrogen affects performance of ovariectomized rats in a two-choice water-escape working memory task

Cited by 152 publications

References 52 publications

Cognitive effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in animals.

Cognitive effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in animals.

Hippocampal volume and functional connectivity changes during the female menstrual cycle

Estradiol Improves Cerebellar Memory Formation by Activating Estrogen Receptor β

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