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. 2011 Feb;204(2):177.e8-14.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.09.023. Epub 2010 Nov 11.

The effects of postnatal estrogen therapy on brain development in preterm baboons

Sandra Rees  1 , Michelle Loeliger, Amy Shields, Philip W Shaul, Donald McCurnin, Bradley Yoder, Terrie Inder
Affiliations

The effects of postnatal estrogen therapy on brain development in preterm baboons

Sandra Rees et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: Estrogen receptors are present within the fetal brain, suggesting that estrogens may exert an influence on cerebral development. Loss of placentally derived estrogen in preterm birth may impair development.

Study design: Baboons were delivered at 125 days of gestation (term approximately 185 days), randomly allocated to receive estradiol (n = 10) or placebo (n = 8), and ventilated for 14 days. Brains were assessed for developmental and neuropathological parameters.

Results: Body and brain weights were not different between groups, but the brain/body weight ratio was increased (P < .05) in estradiol-treated animals. There were no differences (P > .05) between groups in any neuropathological measure in either the forebrain or cerebellum. There were no intraventricular hemorrhages; 1 estradiol animal displayed ectactic vessels in the subarachnoid space.

Conclusion: Brief postnatal estradiol administration to primates does not pose an increased risk of injury or impaired brain development.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Thrombosed ectactic vessel and associated hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space stained with A) Masson`s trichrome; arrows indicates vessel wall and B) Perl`s stain; arrows indicates hemosiderin deposits (suggestive of a bleed at least 48 hours before postmortem). Scale bar = 400 µm
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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