Brain alterations in ovariohysterectomized rats revealed by diffusion tensor imaging

Objectives Women undergoing hysterectomy with oophorectomy have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, postoperative neuroimaging data on pathogenic processes in the brain are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of ovariohysterectomy on brain integrity in rat model using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) technique for the first time. Methods We enrolled 13 rats each in the control and ovariohysterectomy groups. Rats in the ovariohysterectomy group underwent the ovariohysterectomy at 7 weeks of age, and all rats underwent DTI scans at 9 weeks of age. The DTI-derived parameters, such as fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, were compared between the control and ovariohysterectomy groups. Results Compared to the control group, the ovariohysterectomy group showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy in various brain regions, including the corpus callosum, bilateral striatum, and bilateral cortex (all P < 0.05), suggesting neuronal injury in ovariohysterectomized rats. Mean diffusivity did not differ significantly between groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Rats undergoing ovariohysterectomy had lower fractional anisotropy compared to control in widespread brain regions, suggesting neuronal injury and demyelination. Therefore, neuroimaging should be performed to monitor brain alterations in women after hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy in clinical settings.