Exogenous E2 increased synaptic plasticity markers expression in H19-7 cells. However, exogenous E2 could not enhance synaptic plasticity in anastrozoletreated group. Exogenous E2 also increased cell viability and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) expression in H2O2-treated cells. In combined treatment of anastrozole and H2O2, exogenous E2 failed to enhance cell viability and Bcl2 expression in hippocampal H19-7 cells. Our results provided the evidence of the priming role of local hippocampal E2 on exogenous E2-enhanced synaptic plasticity and viability of hippocampal
neurons.