摘要
Objective:To evaluate the levels of estrogen,albumin and gonadotropins(luteinizing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone)as well as the activity of dopamine beta hydroxylase(DAβH)in aged female rats treated with nitric oxide precursor L-arginine and neuronal nitric oxide synthase antagonist L-NAME.Methods:A total of 224 Wistar rats(36 weeks old,weighing 250 g)based on a random sampling were divided into the control and experimental groups after Pap smear test.The control group received only saline(1 mL/kg)intraperitoneally(i.p.).The experiential groups were treated with L-arginine(5,25 and 50 mg/kg,i.p.)and L-NAME(5 and 25 mg/kg,i.p.)for 3 to 21 days,once a day.Blood samples were taken from the rats and the levels of estrogen and albumin and gonadotropins in the serum were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit,and the ovaries were examined immunohistopathologically for DAβH activity.Results:L-arginine(5 mg/kg)significantly increased estrogen level(P<0.05),which was associated with DAβH activation in the ovaries.L-NAME reduced this effect when administered prior to L-arginine dose.L-arginine caused no significant change in the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.Except for the lowest dose of L-arginine in the shortest period,albumin levels significantly decreased in other treatments compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:L-arginine is likely to reduce postmenopausal problems due to an increased nitric oxide level.
