[Usefulness of experimental models to understand the vascular effects of estrogens].

Hormonal replacement therapy does not prevent cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women. In contrast, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases is higher in men than in premenopausal women but increases in postmenopausal women, and all animal studies demonstrate a prevention of fatty streak deposit by estradiol. Although estradiol improves the lipoprotein profile, this effect can account for only a minor part of the protective effect.