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Differential effects of progesterone and 17beta-estradiol on the Ca(2+) entry induced by thapsigargin and endothelin-1 in in situ endothelial cells.

The effects of progesterone and 17beta-estradiol on Ca(2+) signaling in in situ endothelial cells were investigated using front-surface fluorometry of fura-2-loaded strips of porcine aortic valve. Progesterone inhibited the thapsigargin-induced sustained [Ca(2+)](i) elevation (IC(50)=33.9 microM, n=4), while 17beta-estradiol added a transient [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. Progesterone and 17beta-estradiol had no significant effect on the thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevations in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). A Mn(2+)-induced decline of fluorescent intensity at 360 nm excitation was accelerated by thapsigargin. This acceleration was completely reversed by progesterone, but not by 17beta-estradiol. Progesterone inhibited, and 17beta-estradiol enhanced the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, while both had no effect on the ET-1-induced Ca(2+) release observed in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+) or in the pertussis toxin-treated strips. Progesterone and 17beta-estradiol thus had different effects on Ca(2+) signaling, especially on Ca(2+) influx, in endothelial cells.

Animals↗

17beta-estradiol inhibits NADPH oxidase activity through the regulation of p47phox mRNA and protein expression in THP-1 cells.

In this report, we demonstrate that NADPH oxidase is activated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plus interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in human monocytic cells (THP-1 cells) differentiated with phorbol ester (PMA) and that physiological concentration of 17beta-estradiol inhibits NADPH oxidase activity in THP-1 cells stimulated with TNF-alpha plus IFN-gamma. This effect is mediated by estrogen receptor based on estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI 182, 780) that diminishes inhibition by 17beta-estradiol. This inhibition is specific in 17beta-estradiol because 17alpha-estradiol, testosterone and progesterone do not inhibit NADPH oxidase activity. Activation of NADPH oxidase induced by TNF-alpha plus IFN-gamma is caused by up-regulation of p47(phox) (cytosolic component of NADPH oxidase) expression. 17beta-Estradiol prevents the up-regulation of p47(phox) mRNA and protein expression. This prevention of p47(phox) expression depends on the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. Our results implicate that 17beta-estradiol has an anti-atherosclerotic effects through the improvement of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability caused by the regulation of superoxide (O(2)(-)) production.

Cell Line↗

Influence of micelle solubilization by tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) on solubility enhancement and percutaneous penetration of estradiol.

The effect of micellar solubilization on the enhancement of the solubility and percutaneous penetration of estradiol by the surface-active agent, tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) was characterized in this study. Results show that the solubility of estradiol was improved in the presence of TPGS through micellar solubilization. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of TPGS increased with increasing ethanol concentration in the medium. With the flux corrected to the saturated level (J(corrected)) of the free form of estradiol, an increase in the alcohol content of the medium resulted in an increase in J(corrected) for all levels of TPGS examined. For the same level of alcohol content, an increase in the TPGS concentration mostly led to a small extent of decrease in J(corrected). However, the extent of decrease was more obvious in media containing more than 60% alcohol. We also confirmed that only an insignificant amount of TPGS was transported across the skin (below the detection limit of 2 microg/ml). Permeabilities (P(eff)), which describe the overall effects (DK/H) on the stratum corneum (SC), decreased with increasing TPGS concentration for media containing 0, 40, 60, and 80% alcohol, whereas they increased then decreased with increasing TPGS concentration for media containing 10 and 20% alcohol. The enhancement ratios based on P(eff) assuming that the medium contained 0% TPGS and alcohol as unity did not increase accordingly with increases in TPGS concentration at the same level as alcohol. Likewise, the enhancement ratios for the same level of TPGS increased with low alcohol content, but then decreased with increasing alcohol content. We concluded that micellar solubilization by TPGS was able to improve the solubility of estradiol, but it only had an insignificant influence on the skin. Interfacial coverage of TPGS with increasing TPGS concentration and hindrance of the partitioning of estradiol by the increasing alcohol content might play a role in influencing the permeability of estradiol.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Design of an intravaginal ring for the controlled delivery of 17 beta-estradiol as its 3-acetate ester.

Suitable ester prodrugs of 17beta-estradiol are identified, thus permitting effective sustained and controlled estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) from an elastomeric, silicone intravaginal ring (IVR). IVR devices of reservoir design were prepared by blending silicone elastomer base with n-propylorthosilicate (cross-linker) and 10% w/w of 17beta-estradiol or an ester prodrug, the mix being activated with 0.5% w/w stannous octoate and cured at 80 degrees C for 2 min. A rate-controlling membrane was similarly prepared, without the active agent. IVR devices were of cross-sectional diameter 9 mm, outer diameter 54 mm, with core cross-sectional diameter of 2 mm and core length varied as required. Sink conditions were evident for the 17beta-estradiol esters in 1.0% aqueous benzalkonium chloride solution. The low release rates into 0.9% w/v saline of the lipophilic valerate and benzoate esters were due to their intrinsically low aqueous solubilities. In vivo, these esters failed to raise plasma estradiol above baseline levels in postmenopausal human volunteers, despite good in vitro release characteristics under sink conditions. The best release rates under sink conditions, in combination with substantial aqueous solubilities as indicated by the release rates into saline, were observed for the acetate and propionate esters. A combination of drug release characteristics, short plasma half-life and a toxicologically acceptable hydrolysis product indicated that 17beta-estradiol-3-acetate was the prodrug of choice for IVR delivery of ERT. In vivo, an IVR device releasing 100 microg/day of estradiol as its 3-acetate ester maintained over 84 days a circulating plasma concentration in the region of 300 pmoll(-1), within the clinically desirable range for ERT.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Controlled release of beta-estradiol from PLAGA microparticles: the effect of organic phase solvent on encapsulation and release.

To determine the effect of the organic solvent used during microparticle preparation on the in vitro release of beta-estradiol, a number of formulations were evaluated in terms of size, shape and drug delivery performance. Biodegradable microparticles of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) were prepared containing beta-estradiol that utilized dichloromethane, ethyl acetate or a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the organic phase solvent during the particle preparation. The drug delivery behavior from the microparticles was studied and comparisons were made of their physical properties for different formulations. The varying solubilities of beta-estradiol and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) in the solvents studied resulted in biodegradable microparticles with very different physical characteristics. Microparticles prepared from solid suspensions of beta-estradiol using dichloromethane as the organic phase solvent were similar in appearance to microparticles prepared without drug. Microparticles prepared from dichloromethane/methanol solutions appeared transparent to translucent depending on the initial amount of drug used in the formulation. Microparticles prepared using ethyl acetate appeared to have the most homogeneous encapsulation of beta-estradiol, appearing as solid white spheres regardless of initial drug content. Studies showed that microparticles prepared from either ethyl acetate or a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol gave a more constant release profile of beta-estradiol than particles prepared using dichloromethane alone. For all formulations, an initial burst of release increased with increasing drug loading, regardless of the organic solvent used.

Acetates↗

Enhanced sister-chromatid exchange rate in human lymphocytes exposed to 17beta estradiol in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic data and animal experiments strongly implicate that steroid hormones are involved in the process of malignant transformation due to their capability to stimulate mitotic division and/or elevate the level of mutations in susceptible cells. METHODS: The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the effects of 17beta estradiol in sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) test on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The lowest concentration of 17beta estradiol used in this experiment (10(-10) M) was calculated as comparable with the physiologic blood level of 17beta estradiol in women. Three experimental concentrations corresponded to minimal (7 x 10(-8) M), average (3.5 x 10(-6) M), and maximal (7 x 10(-6) M) therapeutic doses in human medicine. In addition, the highest concentrations exceed maximal therapeutic dose 10-fold (7 x 10(-5) M) and 30-fold (2.1 x 10(-4) M), respectively. RESULTS: The obtained results indicate that estradiol significantly elevates SCE per cell frequency at all concentrations applied except at the lowest one. However, estradiol has not influenced mitotic activity of cultured human lymphocytes significantly. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that 17beta estradiol expressed genotoxic effects and therefore might represent a human health risk.

Adult↗

Cyclic estradiol treatment phasically potentiates endogenous cholecystokinin's satiating action in ovariectomized rats.

The influence of ovarian cycling and of exogenous estradiol on the cholecystokinin (CCK) satiety-signalling system was investigated in intact and ovariectomized Long-Evans rats, respectively. Intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg devazepide, the most potent and selective CCK(A) receptor antagonist, increased test meal size during estrus, but not during diestrus, confirming the influence of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function on CCK satiety in intact rats. Devazepide was then tested in ovariectomized rats that received chronic cyclic estradiol (2 microg estradiol benzoate on Tuesday and Wednesday each week) or oil treatment. Devazepide did not increase meal size in estradiol-treated rats on Tuesday, prior to estradiol treatment, compared to oil-treated rats, but did selectively increase meal size on Friday, late in the estradiol replacement cycle, compared to Tuesday, early in the cycle. These results suggest that a phasic potentiation of the endogenous CCK satiety-signalling system is part of the mechanism for the decrease in meal size in female rats during estrus.

Animals↗

Two month glucocorticoid treatment increases estradiol-induced stromal and myometrial cell proliferation in the uterus of ovariectomized rats.

The present work was undertaken to examine the effect of 2 month glucocorticoid treatment on estradiol-induced proliferation in the uterus. Ovariectomized rats were treated with long-acting triamcinolone acetonide or saline for 60 days followed by a single injection of estradiol dipropionate or vehicle. Proliferation in the uterus was estimated by the mitotic index, bromodeoxyuridine-labelling index and proliferating cells nuclear antigen-labelling index 24, 36 and 48 h after the injection of estradiol or vehicle. Two month glucocorticoid treatment resulted in an initial decrease in all the parameters for luminal and glandular epithelia followed by an increase to 48 h after estradiol injection, and in a large increase in all proliferative parameters for stromal and myometrial cells at all periods of observation, compared with control rats untreated with glucocorticoid. The 2 month glucocorticoid treatment protocol had no significant effect on the parameters without estradiol administration. Analysis of proliferation for myometrial cells was also performed after 1 month treatment with glucocorticoid followed by estradiol or saline. Results showed no significant influence of 1 month treatment with glucocorticoid on myometrial cells.

Animals↗

Estradiol reduces seizure-induced hippocampal injury in ovariectomized female but not in male rats.

Estrogens protect ovariectomized rats from hippocampal injury induced by kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (SE). We compared the effects of 17beta-estradiol in adult male and ovariectomized female rats subjected to lithium-pilocarpine-induced SE. Rats received subcutaneous injections of 17beta-estradiol (2 microg/rat) or oil once daily for four consecutive days. SE was induced 20 h following the second injection and terminated 3 h later. The extent of silver-stained CA3 and CA1 hippocampal neurons was evaluated 2 days after SE. 17beta-Estradiol did not alter the onset of first clonus in ovariectomized rats but accelerated it in males. 17beta-Estradiol reduced the argyrophilic neurons in the CA1 and CA3-C sectors of ovariectomized rats. In males, estradiol increased the total damage score. These findings suggest that the effects of estradiol on seizure threshold and damage may be altered by sex-related differences in the hormonal environment.

Animals↗

Relationships of serum estradiol levels, menopausal duration, and mood during hormonal replacement therapy.

A study was undertaken in 38 menopausal women on-cyclic HRT (estropipate) and estropipate + nor-ethindrone). Serum estradiol levels during treatment were related to mood changes and platelet MAO activity. The relationship between serum estradiol levels and mood changes was found to be a function of the duration of menopause. Women with a short duration of menopause (12.9 months +/- 6.1) were compared to women with a long duration of menopause (76.6 months +/- 52.3). Women with a short duration of menopause had significantly lower mean serum estradiol levels during HRT compared to women with a long duration of menopause (216.9 +/- 62.3 vs. 291.13 +/- 118.12, respectively, p < .02). It had previously been reported that estrogen treatment in menopausal women had a positive effect on mood, whereas the combination of estrogen plus a progestin had a negative effect on mood. We found that the women with a long duration of menopause and higher treatment serum estradiol levels had significantly more dysphoria when receiving a combination of estrogen plus progestin than did the women with a short duration of menopause and lower serum estradiol levels. However, both short and long duration menopausal groups showed improvement in mood when estrogen was administered alone. Platelet MAO levels, a marker of adrenergic and serotonergic function thought to relate to mood, were negatively correlated with serum estradiol levels during HRT. We suggest that these paradoxical findings may be secondary to a prolonged estrogen deficiency state in women with a long duration of menopause.

Affect↗

Effect of estradiol and tamoxifen on brain membranes: investigation by infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Nongenomic effects of steroids on rat brain neurotransmitter transporters and receptors have been reported in several laboratories. In the present study, we have investigated possible membrane effects of 17alpha- and 17beta-estradiol, as well as tamoxifen, by studying their interactions with synthetic phospholipid membranes using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We have also used the fluidity of rat striatal and frontal cortex membranes, as determined by fluorescence depolarization of the probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), to probe the effects of these drugs on membranes. Our results show that tamoxifen induces conformational disorder along the acyl chains of deuterated dimirystoylphosphatidylcholine and decreases the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature by approximately 10 degrees C. Similar effects, although less pronounced, were observed with 17beta-estradiol, whereas 17alpha-estradiol had no significant effect. The DPH fluorescence anisotropy of striatum and frontal cortex membranes was decreased in vitro with 17beta-estradiol or tamoxifen and also with 17alpha-estradiol, but to a lesser extent. These results suggest a stereospecific estradiol effect on membranes and that the effects of these compounds are not related to their activity on estrogen receptors. These observations support a different mechanism of action of steroids that could be implicated in their neuroprotective activity.

Animals↗

Estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione: novel derivatives and enantiomers. Interactions with rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450 and antioxidant/radical scavenger activities in vitro.

Interactions of 27 steroids, among them 17 derivatives such as ethers, sulfates and amidosulfonates derived from 17 beta- and 17 alpha-estradiol, from testosterone and alpha- and beta-dihydrotesosterone and from dehydroepiandrosterone with rat liver microsomal cytochromes P450 (P450) were investigated in vitro by assessing binding to P450 and effects on P450 mediated monooxygenase functions as measured by different model reactions: ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD), ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation (ECOD) and ethylmorphine N-demethylation (EMND). With the exception of 17 alpha-estradiol-3-dimethylamidosulfonate, estrone, its -3-methylether and -3-amidosulfonate and testosterone, all other steroids displayed type I or reverse type I binding to P450. All steroids inhibited EROD activity in micromolar concentrations. An additional strong inhibition of ECOD and EMND activities was only demonstrated for the androgens and progestins. Estriol, estrone and mestranol displayed less inhibitory actions on the model reactions than estradiol. No major differences in comparison to the parent compounds were noted with the other derivatives. The only exceptions were 17 beta-(8,9-dehydro-14 alpha,15 alpha-methylene)estradiol, which displayed stronger effects than estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate, which was less effective than dehydroepiandrosterone. Possible antioxidant properties of the steroids were examined by the stimulated lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2 production, and lucigenin (LC) and luminol (LM) amplified chemiluminescence (CL) using rat liver microsomes. Additionally, the influence on rat whole blood chemiluminescence (WB-CL) was assessed. All the estrogens, but not their methylethers and amidosulfonates inhibited LPO in micromolar concentrations. The effects on the other oxidase model reactions or on WB-CL were less distinct. Only ethinylestradiol and 17 beta-(8,9-dehydro-14 alpha,15 alpha-methylene)estradiol displayed a strong inhibitory action on all model reactions. With the exception of dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate, which in general had only weak effects, the androgen and progestin derivatives, in contrast, strongly decreased H2O2 formation and LM- and LC-CL, but were mostly ineffective on LPO and WB-CL.

7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase↗

Local versus systemic effects of exogenous estradiol-17 beta on ovarian follicular dynamics in heifers with progestogen implants.

Two experiments were designed to determine if the suppressive effect of estradiol treatment on ovarian follicles in progestogen-implanted heifers is mediated directly at the ovary or systemically, at a higher level. The purpose of Experiment 1 was to determine a minimal effective dose of estradiol-17beta (E-17beta) that would induce follicle regression in progestogen-implanted heifers. Beef heifers were implanted with progestogen on Day 2 (Day 0=ovulation) and were assigned randomly to five groups: control (sesame seed oil, n=9); 0. 1 mg of E-17beta (n=8); 0.5 mg of E-17beta (n=8); 1 mg of E-17beta (n=8); or 5 mg of E-17beta (n=8) by intramuscular (im) injection on Day 3. Treatment with 5 and 1 mg of E-17beta resulted in smaller (P<0.05) day-to-day diameter profiles of the dominant follicle compared with controls, whereas 0.1 mg of E-17beta did not have an apparent effect on follicle growth. The effect of a dose of 0.5 mg was intermediate and tended (P<0.06) to result in a smaller diameter profile of the dominant follicle compared with control heifers. Experiment 2 was designed to utilize a subminimal dose of E-17beta (0.1 mg), locally, to determine whether estradiol treatment induces follicle regression through a direct action on the ovary. Beef heifers received a progestogen ear implant on Day 2 and were assigned randomly to five groups on Day 3: control (sesame seed oil, n=8); 5 mg of E-17beta im (n=8); 0.1 mg of E-17beta im (n=8); 0.1 mg of E-17beta given into the wall of the uterus, near the tip of the horn ipsilateral to the dominant follicle (intrauterine (iu), n=8); or 0.1 mg of E-17beta given into the stroma of the ovary, immediately adjacent to the dominant follicle (intraovarian (io), n=6). Local (iu and io) treatments were given via a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle injection. Treatment with 5 mg of E-17beta im resulted in suppression of the dominant follicle of the first follicular wave and early emergence of the second follicular wave (P<0.05). Diameter profiles of the dominant follicle in heifers treated with 0.1 mg im or 0.1 mg iu differed from those of control heifers on Day 5, whereas diameter profiles of the dominant follicle in heifers treated with 0.1 mg io did not differ from the controls. Daily changes in diameter of the dominant follicle did not differ among the three groups treated with 0.1 mg of E-17beta (im, iu and io). Hourly changes in circulating concentrations of FSH and LH were not detected following estradiol treatment either before or after the results were combined for all estradiol-treated groups. Results are supportive of the hypothesis that the suppressive effect of estradiol in cattle is exerted indirectly through a systemic route rather than directly at the ovary. Although low plasma concentrations of FSH and LH were not detected, systemic treatments with high E-17beta dosages resulted in follicular suppression whereas local treatments with subminimal dosages, within the ovary bearing the dominant follicle, were without effect.

Animals↗

Drug concentration effect relationship of estradiol from two matrix transdermal delivery systems: Menorest and Climara.

OBJECTIVES: To relate the pharmacokinetics of estradiol to pharmacological effects. METHODS: Drug concentration effect relationship of estradiol from two matrix transdermal delivery systems, Menorest and Climara, was studied in a single centre, open, randomised, comparative crossover study. The trial consisted of two treatment periods, 14 days for each patch separated by a 4-week washout period. Blood hormone levels were followed during the second week of each treatment. Estradiol levels during treatments were related to three concentration levels previously proposed as efficacy or safety limits. The effect of treatment on FSH-levels was examined and the relationship between the levels of estradiol and FSH was described using an inhibitory sigmoidal I(max) model. Estrone levels and estradiol/estrone before and during treatment were followed. RESULTS: The C(average) of FSH during treatment was 38% lower than baseline plasma levels. Estradiol had an inhibitory effect on FSH with an I(max) of 0.68 and an IC(50) of 19 pg/ml. The fraction of time above the minimum concentration for therapeutic effect and the tolerability limit did not differ between the two treatments, whereas the fraction of time above the suggested threshold for osteoporosis prophylaxis was significantly larger for Menorest than for Climara (P<0.05). The low baseline estradiol/estrone ratios increased towards pre-menopausal levels during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The drug concentration effect relationship of estradiol may be of use in evaluation of the effects of prophylactic estrogen therapy and to facilitate comparisons between different forms of estrogen treatments.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Estradiol metabolism and malignant disease.

Endogenous estradiol metabolism results in metabolic products that are still capable of exerting various biological, partially estrogen-antagonistic actions. This indicates that the effects of estradiol in carcinogenesis may depend on individual variations of metabolic breakdown of estradiol. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss the available data relating to stimulatory and inhibitory properties of estradiol metabolites on carcinogenesis. Results of main D-ring metabolites and main A-ring metabolites are presented. There are indications that the endogenous production of growth influencing estradiol metabolites may be elevated in neoplasias. Some results in this respect are available for stimulating tumor growth for the D-ring metabolite 16-hydroxyestrone and the A-ring metabolites 4-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestradiol. Inhibitory effects exist for the A-ring metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME). So far, only a few metabolites have been studied closely for their influence on carcinogenesis. There is also a dearth of data on the intracellular metabolism of estradiol in neoplastic tissues. Knowledge of the metabolites may reveal new approaches to diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases. 2-ME has already shown actions in pharmacological dosages which led already to a first trial to prove its suitability for treating human breast cancer.

2-Methoxyestradiol↗

Dose proportionality study of four doses of an estradiol transdermal system, Estradot.

OBJECTIVES: To establish dose proportionality among four doses of a new estradiol transdermal system (ETS), Estradot, in healthy postmenopausal women and to evaluate the wear and irritation properties of the ETS. METHODS: In an open label, single-dose, randomized, four-period crossover study, healthy postmenopausal women, age range 44-64 years, wore four different sizes of Estradot, 2.5, 3.75, 5.0 and 10.0 cm(2) that were expected to release estradiol at 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05 and 0.10 mg/day, respectively. Each patch was worn for 84 h with a 7-day washout period between treatments. Blood samples were drawn prior to medication, then at various time points following patch application. Serum concentrations of estradiol and estrone were determined by validated gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GS/MS) methods. Skin irritation, (erythema and edema), patch adherence and local skin reaction were assessed and recorded following patch removal. After removal, the patches were assayed for residual estradiol to estimate the apparent dose delivered. RESULTS: The baseline-corrected, mean maximum serum estradiol concentrations (C(max)) for the 2.5, 3.75, 5.0 and 10.0 cm(2) patches were 24.0, 34.8, 50.1 and 96.0 pg/ml, respectively, and for estrone were 10.5, 15.2, 21.8 and 41.0 pg/ml, respectively. The four Estradot patches adhered well during the study. No significant skin irritation was observed with any of the four treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a dose proportional relationship of increased serum concentrations of estradiol with increasing size of the Estradot patches. The four doses of Estradot demonstrated good systemic and local skin tolerability.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

The acute effects of sublingual estradiol on left ventricular diastolic function in normotensive and hypertensive postmenopausal women.

AIM: limited information is available on estrogen influences on diastole. We aimed to investigate the acute effects of a single dose of sublingual 17beta-estradiol on left ventricular diastolic function in postmenopausal women. METHODS: the study included 28 women aged 55.6 +/- 6 (15 normotensive and 13 hypertensive), who underwent Doppler echocardiography and estradiol plasma levels determination before and 60 min after sublingual administration of 4 mg of 17beta-estradiol. RESULTS: there were no modifications in heart rate. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped significantly in the hypertensives and remained unchanged in normotensives. Estradiol levels were 1790 +/- 869 pg/ml in the normotensives and 2664 +/- 1490 in the hypertensives (P < 0.05). Peak early velocity, in the population as a whole, increased from 84 +/- 18 to 91 +/- 18 cm/s and the early-to-atrial velocity ratio from 1.1 +/- 0.4 to 1.4 +/- 0.6 (P < 0.0001 for both). Both acceleration and deceleration rates increased significantly (P < 0.0001). These changes were shared by all the patients. In addition, the hypertensive patients, who presented a baseline pattern characterized mainly by a grossly increased peak atrial velocity with reduction in the early-to-atrial velocity ratio, demonstrated a decrease in peak atrial velocity from 92 +/- 12 to 78 +/- 10 cm/s (P < 0.0001), associated with significant reductions in deceleration time (P < 0.0001) and pressure half time (P < 0.005). Therefore, the typical picture of impaired ventricular relaxation was favorably changed after estradiol administration. CONCLUSIONS: the sublingual administration of estradiol induces acute modifications in left ventricular diastolic function in postmenopausal women, with improvement in the age-related left ventricular relaxation pattern, and that these beneficial changes are more pronounced in hypertensive that in normotensive women.

Administration, Sublingual↗

In vitro skin permeation of estradiol from various proniosome formulations.

The skin permeation of estradiol from various proniosome gel formulations across excised rat skin was investigated in vitro. The encapsulation efficiency and size of niosomal vesicles formed from proniosomes upon hydration were also characterized. The encapsulation (%) of proniosomes with Span surfactants showed a very high value of about 100%. Proniosomes with Span 40 and Span 60 increased the permeation of estradiol across skin. Both penetration enhancer effect of non-ionic surfactant and vesicle-skin interaction may contribute to the mechanisms for proniosomes to enhance estradiol permeation. Niosome suspension (diluted proniosomal formulations) and proniosome gel showed different behavior in modulating transdermal delivery of estradiol across skin. Presence or absence of cholesterol in the lipid bilayers of vesicles did not reveal difference in encapsulation and permeation of the associated estradiol. The types and contents of non-ionic surfactant in proniosomes are important factors affecting the efficiency of transdermal estradiol delivery.

Cellulose↗