Chronic Estrogen Treatment Modifies Insulin-induced Insulin Resistance and Hypertension in Ovariectomized Rats

Background: Gender differences have been found in the development of hypertension. The role of estrogen in the association between hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance and hypertension was investigated in an insulin-induced, insulin-resistant, and hypertensive model.

Methods: Ovariectomized or sham operated female Wistar rats were chronically treated with insulin and/or estrogen via subcutaneous implants (insulin, 2 U/day; 17beta-estradiol 0.5 mg/pellet, 60-day release). Systolic blood pressure was monitored at weeks 0, 3, and 6. At week 7, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed.

Results: Ovariectomy resulted in the development of insulin resistance and blood pressure elevation in chronically insulin-treated female rats. Chronic estrogen treatment prevented the elevation in blood pressure and the development of insulin resistance.

Conclusion: The results indicate that chronic estrogen treatment modifies the insulin-induced hypertension by increasing insulin sensitivity in ovariectomized rats.