Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe effect of estradiol on respiratory of ovariectomized rats.Methods30 adult female rats were randomly divided into ovariectomy group (group A), estradiol group (group B) and sham ovariectomy group (group C). Rats of group B were injected with 17-β estradiol (20μg/kg/d), that of group A and group C were injected only with normal saline (0.1ml/d). After 6 weeks, effect of estradiol on respiratory of ovariectomized rats was assessed with testing level of rats' serum estradiol and discharge frequency and integrated amplitude of phrenic nerve. ResultsThe level of serum estradiol of group A was significantly decreased compared with group B and group C (P<0.01). Discharge frequency and integrated amplitude of phrenic nerve of group A were decreased compared with group B and group C (P<0.05).ConclusionEstradiol can excite respiratory responses in ovariectomized rats.

Key words: estradiol, respiration, ovariectomy, rat