Effects of Exercise and Estrogen on Anxiety-like Behaviors in ‎Ovariectomized Mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is a major symptom of menopause caused by loss of ovarian activity. Anxiety increases the intensity of vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. This study aimed to compare the effects of exercise and estrogen on anxiety level of ovariectomized mice. METHODS: This empirical study was conducted on 28 mice (weight: 25-35 grams) divided into four groups of seven, including ovariectomy, ovariectomy and exercise, ovariectomy and estrogen (40 mg/kg of estradiol valerate), and ovariectomy combined with exercise and estrogen. Animals were initially ovariectomized and one week later, they were placed on treadmills to run at medium intensity for 30 minutes per day. Intervention continued for five days per week, and after four weeks, anxiety was evaluated using elevated plus-maze. FINDINGS: In this study, estrogen significantly increased the percentage of open arm entry (OAE) compared to ovariectomy group (22.13±4.72 vs. 4.91±3.18, respectively) (p