Hormones restore biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues after surgical menopause in young rats

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the impact of hormones on the biomechanical properties of the vagina and its supportive tissues following surgical menopause in young vs middle-aged rats. STUDY DESIGN: Long-Evans rats (4-month virgin [n = 34], 4-month parous [n = 36], and 9-month parous [n = 34]), underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery. OVX animals received hormones (estrogen [E2] or estrogen plus progesterone [E2 plus P4]), placebo, or a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (chemically modified tetracycline-8 [CMT-8]). Animals were euthanized after 8 weeks and the biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues determined. Data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and posthoc tests. RESULTS: OVX induced a rapid decline in the biomechanical properties of pelvic tissues in young but not middle-aged rats. Supplementation with E2, E2 plus P4, or CMT-8 restored tissues of young rats to control levels with no effect on middle-aged tissues. Parity did not have an impact on tissue behavior. CONCLUSION: OVX has a differential effect on the tissues of young vs middle-aged rats.