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Imaging of Estrogen Receptor-α in Rat Pial Arterioles using a Digital Immunofluorescent Microscope
Published on: November 29, 2011
Cells containing immunoreactive estrogen receptor-alpha in the human basal forebrain
J E Donahue1, E G Stopa, R L Chorsky
1Department of Pathology, Neuropathology Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine, APC 12th Floor, 593 Eddy St., Providence, RI, USA.
Brain Research
|March 10, 2000
Summary
Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) is found in human hypothalamus neurons and astrocyte-like cells. This distribution in the basal forebrain and hypothalamus suggests estrogen
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Estrogen receptors play crucial roles in brain function.
- Understanding estrogen receptor distribution is key to deciphering estrogen's effects on the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the distribution of estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha)-containing cells in the human hypothalamus and adjacent brain regions.
- To investigate the cellular localization (neuronal vs. glial) of ER-alpha in these areas.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specific monoclonal antibody (H222) targeting ER-alpha.
- Employed immunohistochemistry to detect ER-alpha protein expression in human brain tissue sections.
Main Results:
- ER-alpha immunoreactivity was identified in distinct neuronal populations within the basal forebrain, preoptic area, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and amygdala.
- Immunoreactive astrocyte-like cells expressing ER-alpha were observed in the lamina terminalis and subependymal regions.
- These findings indicate a widespread presence of ER-alpha in both neuronal and glial cells in key brain areas.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of ER-alpha in the human hypothalamus and basal forebrain aligns with findings in other species.
- Estrogen receptors are present in both neurons and supporting glial cells, suggesting broad influence of estrogens on human brain function.
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