Partial neuroprotection by 17-β-estradiol in neonatal gamma-irradiated rat cerebellum

▶ Estrogens mediate neuroprotection by promoting cell survival and by preventing axonal pruning. ▶ Here we show that perinatal 17-β-estradiol (E2) partially protects cerebellum against irradiation. ▶ E2 reverted cerebellar disorganization and motor deficits induced by ionizing irradiation. ▶ PKC and NOS activities might be implicated in E2 neuroprotective mechanism. ▶ These data provide new evidence about the mechanisms underlying estrogen neuroprotection.