Ovariectomy

Female rats (n = 96) were deeply gas anesthetized (3% induction; 2.5% maintenance) by inhalation of Isothesia (isoflurane, USP, Henry Schein Animal Health, Dublin, OH) and a single incision was made across the abdomen. The abdominal muscle was opened and the ovary bundles were ligated with 4-O silk sutures, excised, and removed, as previously described (White and Uphouse, 2004). The fascia was closed with 5-O silk suture and the skin was closed with Vicryl sutures to prevent wicking. Rats were allowed 2 weeks for recovery and ovarian hormone dissipation.