Effect of 4,4′,4″-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol (PPT) on the number of spines and the synapse-related proteins after ovariectomy. The number of spines in the CA1 region of the hippocampus are shown by Golgi staining (a) and spine counting (b; n = 3/group, scale bars = 5µm). The expression of synapsin I, NR2A and GluR₁ in the hippocampus at week 8 after operation was detected by Western blotting (c) and quantitatively analysed (d; n = 6/group). The phosphorylation levels of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) Π α, ERK and Akt in the hippocampus were also detected by Western blotting (e) and quantitatively analysed (f; n = 6/group). The levels of total CaMK Π α, ERK and Akt were normalized against the level of DM1A. Their relative phosphorylation levels (active form) were calculated against those of Sham rats. Data were presented as means±s.e.m. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 vs. Sham group; ^⋇p < 0.05, ^⋇⋇p < 0.01 vs. ovariectomized treated with vehicle (Ovx + Veh) group.