Construction of time-response curve for neuronal and vascular endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that there is a critical time period to start hormone therapy after the loss of ovarian function during menopause. The length of estrogen deprivation may evolve different pathophysiological manifestations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate behavioral, biochemical, and molecular alterations at different time points after surgical menopause with an aim and identify various pathophysiological targets to exploit “window of opportunity” and to design newer therapeutic modalities for menopause-associated neurobehavioral and vascular deficits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to induce surgical menopause and estrogen deficiency state. Menopause-associated neuronal and vascular dysfunctions were noted after 1, 2, and 3 months of the study. RESULTS: Neuronal and vascular endothelial dysfunction post ovariectomy revealed that behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and vascular endothelial dysfunction appeared after 1 month of ovariectomy except hyperglycemia, which occurs after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Time-response studies measuring behavioral, biochemical, and molecular markers at various time points after ovariectomy reveal that there is a fast onset of neuronal and vascular complications, but the duration of insulin resistance is a relatively late phenomenon.