Administration of anastrazole, an aromatase inhibitor, reduces the protective effects of testosterone treatment in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motoneurons leading to muscle weakness and motor impairment. The Wobbler (WR) mouse, a recognized model of ALS, shows a selective loss of motoneurons, astrocytosis and microgliosis in cervical spinal cord (CSC). ALS presents in men at younger ages than women, but increases after menopause.