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Immunolocalization of androgen receptor in the developing craniofacial skeleton
Ines C Lin1, Alison E Slemp, Catherine Hwang
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4399, USA.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|November 18, 2004
Summary
Androgen receptor is present in the fetal craniofacial skeleton, including dura mater and bone. This suggests androgens may influence early craniofacial development and skeletal growth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Craniofacial development
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Male predominance in craniosynostosis suggests a role for androgens in craniofacial development.
- Androgen receptors are found in osteoblast-like cells and long bones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate androgen receptor expression in the fetal craniofacial skeleton.
- To explore the potential role of androgens in early craniofacial bone development.
Main Methods:
- Examined E18 fetal mouse heads (male and female).
- Utilized immunohistochemistry with a specific monoclonal antibody for androgen receptor detection.
- Analyzed coronal and sagittal sections of the craniofacial skeleton.
Main Results:
- Strong androgen receptor immunoreactivity detected in fetal dura mater.
- Androgen receptor expression observed in cells at osteogenic fronts and calvarial osteoblasts.
- Similar expression patterns noted in both male and female fetal mice.
Conclusions:
- Confirms abundant androgen receptor expression in the murine fetal craniofacial skeleton.
- Suggests a potential role for androgen anabolic effects in developing craniofacial bone.
- Supports the hypothesis of androgen involvement in early craniofacial development.