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Epidermal growth factor in mice: effects of estradiol, testosterone and dexamethasone
T Tuomela1, P Miettinen, K Pesonen
1Children's Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
To clarify the influence of steroids on the metabolism of epidermal growth factor, we studied the effects on its concentrations in adult male and female mice of 1. gonadectomy, 2. postgonadectomy treatments with estradiol and testosterone, and 3. treatment with dexamethasone. We also measured its mRNA levels in submandibular salivary glands and kidneys after ovariectomy. After gonadectomy, the male mice had 1.4-fold higher mean epidermal growth factor concentration in the urine than the female, in contrast to a 1.5-fold reverse difference in intact mice; the female mice had 2.5-fold higher concentration in the submandibular glands than the male animals, in contrast to a 4.5-fold reverse difference in intact mice. The kidney sex difference of intact mice (male greater than female) was abolished. In both gonadectomized sexes, treatment with testosterone increased the concentration of epidermal growth factor in plasma and the submandibular gland; treatment with estradiol increased the concentration in urine and decreased it in the submandibular gland. Treatment with dexamethasone decreased the concentration of epidermal growth factor in plasma of the male mice, and in urine of the female mice, thus decreasing the sex differences. In the submandibular gland and the kidneys, dexamethasone increased the concentration. The mRNA levels were higher in the submandibular gland and lower in the kidneys in the ovariectomized than in the intact female mice. The effects of sex steroids on epidermal growth factor concentrations are mediated through modulation of its gene activity. Testosterone has an increasing and estradiol a decreasing effect in the submandibular gland. Estradiol has also an increasing effect in the kidneys.
Insights
Sex steroids significantly influence epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in mice. Testosterone and estradiol differentially regulate EGF concentrations in various tissues, impacting gene activity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a crucial role in cellular processes.
- The influence of sex steroids on EGF metabolism and concentration is not fully understood.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for comprehending physiological regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sex steroids on epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations.
- To examine the effects of gonadectomy, sex hormone replacement, and dexamethasone on EGF levels.
- To analyze EGF mRNA levels in response to hormonal changes.
Main Methods:
- Adult male and female mice underwent gonadectomy.
- Hormone replacement therapy with estradiol and testosterone was administered.
- Dexamethasone treatment was applied.
- EGF concentrations were measured in plasma, urine, submandibular glands, and kidneys.
- mRNA levels of EGF were quantified in submandibular glands and kidneys post-ovariectomy.
Main Results:
- Gonadectomy altered sex differences in EGF concentrations in urine and submandibular glands.
- Testosterone increased EGF in plasma and submandibular glands; estradiol increased urinary EGF and decreased submandibular EGF.
- Dexamethasone modulated EGF levels, reducing sex differences in plasma and urine, and increasing it in the submandibular gland and kidneys.
- Ovariectomy affected EGF mRNA levels in the submandibular gland and kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Sex steroids modulate EGF concentrations, likely through gene activity regulation.
- Testosterone generally increases EGF, while estradiol has tissue-specific effects.
- These findings elucidate the complex interplay between hormones and EGF in physiological regulation.
