The influence of 17β-estradiol benzoate on weight and celIularity of rat lymphoid tissue and peripheral blood

Abstract

The effects of l7β-estradiol benzoate (E2) upon weight and cellularity of thymus, spleen and Ln. iliaci mediales (LLN), peripheral white blood cell parameters as well as T and B lymphocyte distribution were studied in vehicle- and E2-injected, ovariectomized female Lewis rats. The effects seen by E2 administration were a decrease in weight and cellularity of thymus and spleen while LLN weight and cell counts showed no significant differences between the groups. Circulating leukocyte
counts exhibited a moderate decrease in Ez-injected animals. On the other side the distribution of pan T, T helper, T cytotoxiC/suppressor and B lymphocytes in the examined organs and peripheral blood was not affected by 17β-estradiol benzoate treatment. In conclusion, the present results suggest that 17B-estradiol benzoate reduces weight and cellularity of thymus and spleen while Lnn. iliaci mediales, peripheral white blood cell counts and the distribution of lymphocyte
surface markers of the examined lymphoid tissue were only weakly to moderately influenced by E2 administration to ovariectomized female Lewis rats.