Premature death with bladder outlet obstruction and hyperprolactinemia in New Zealand black X New Zealand white mice treated with ethinyl estradiol and 17 beta-estradiol

Arthritis Rheum. 1992 Nov;35(11):1387-92. doi: 10.1002/art.1780351123.

Abstract

Objective: To determine causes of death, estrogen toxicity, and hyperprolactinemia in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Female New Zealand Black x New Zealand White (NZB x NZW) mice were implanted with ethinyl estradiol, 17 beta-estradiol, or empty capsules (controls).

Results: Estrogen-treated mice developed striking hyperprolactinemia and died prematurely with genitourinary complications.

Conclusion: Implanted estrogens, including 17 beta-estradiol in a dose reported previously to stimulate SLE, contribute to premature death in NZB x NZW mice, through toxic effects. Estrogen therapy increases the level of prolactin, an immunostimulatory hormone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Implants
  • Estradiol* / pharmacology
  • Ethinyl Estradiol* / pharmacology
  • Glomerulonephritis / chemically induced
  • Hyperprolactinemia / chemically induced*
  • Hyperprolactinemia / etiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / chemically induced
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / mortality
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains / genetics
  • Pituitary Gland / drug effects
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology
  • Urinary Bladder / drug effects
  • Urinary Bladder / pathology
  • Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / chemically induced*
  • Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / pathology

Substances

  • Drug Implants
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Estradiol