Effects of 17 alpha-dihydroequilenin sulfate on atherosclerotic male and female rhesus monkeys

Treatment with the hormone 17a-dihydroequilenin (DHEN) may be effective in reducing obstructive heart disease in men and women past menopause. Researchers evaluated the effects of five weeks of DHEN treatment, estradiol treatment, or no treatment in 33 adult male and 50 adult female rhesus monkeys fed a lifetime high-fat diet. DHEN treatment prevented vessel constriction during vessel scans in intact males and in females with their ovaries removed. Uterus and breast tissue were equally deteriorated in all treatment groups. Treatments did not affect the amount of vessel blockage in any group.