Effect of estradiol and Remifemin on the dorsal lingual epithelium of ovariectomized rats

Background: In this study, the ovariectomized rat model was used to explore the impact of menopause on rats' dorsal lingual epithelium; at the same time, the curative effects of Remifemin and estradiol were also observed. Methods: 28 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups randomly, including sham-operated group (SHAM), an ovariectomized group (OVX), an ovariectomized treated with estradiol (OVX + E), an ovariectomized treated with Remifemin (OVX + iCR). Variation and possible mechanisms were studied via morphology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscope. Results: The results showed that the dorsal lingual epithelium became thinner significantly in the apex part in OVX group, as well as the levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) were lower than that in other three groups. However, they could reverse close to normal after estradiol and Remifemin treatment respectively. Conclusion: The thinning in the apex of dorsal lingual epithelium might be due to the reduced proliferation in the germinal layer led by the abating of estrogen level, instead of apoptosis. This might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the menopause female tongue burning sensation. Remifemin had certain curative effect on the dorsal lingual mucosa, but a little more inferior than estrogen.