Effects of 17β-oestradiol on cerebral ischaemic damage and lipid peroxidation

Two week pre-treatment with a high physiological dose of 17β-oestradiol increased infarct volume after permanent MCAO. Although contrary to our original hypothesis, this result demonstrates that oestrogen does have the capacity to promote detrimental actions in the stroke-injured brain. Given the wide use of oestrogen (contraception, osteoporosis and menopause), more research to clarify the influence of oestrogen on brain injury is urgently required.