Effect of the Estrogen Antagonist, Tamoxifen, on Development of Glomerulosclerosis in the Cohen Diabetic Rat

Long-term administration of the estrogen antagonist,tamoxifen, to female, Cohen diabetic rats caused a significant decrease in the incidence of glomerulosclerosis, 12.5% as compared with 58.3% in control, untreated, diabetic female rats. This change in incidence was correlated with a corresponding decrease in plasma estradiol and cholesterol levels, but not with changes in oral glucose tolerance or insulin response. A similar correlation between decreased incidence of glomerulosclerosis and a decrease in plasma estradiol was previously noted in ovariectomized animals.