Effect of dextran-coated charcoal treatment on 17 beta-estradiol receptor in human benign prostatic hyperplasia

Using glycerol density gradient centrifugation technique, single saturation dose assay, and Scatchard plot, the effect of dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) treatment of homogenate or crude cytosol on estradiol binding protein in human benign prostatic hyperplasia was investigated. Receptor binding is increased after thirty minutes DCC treatment of homogenate or cytosol. Increase in estradiol binding is accompanied by loss in cytosolic protein. A 75 per cent increase in binding of estradiol to its receptor was observed after two hours incubation of DCC with homogenate. The concomitant increase in estradiol binding and decrease in protein concentration in both homogenate or cytosol after DCC treatment indicate the possible removal of some protein(s) which inactivate(s) the estradiol receptor. Removal of cofactors required for activation of proteases and removal of endogenous steroids which could be occupying the estradiol sites also are possible. This simple experimental procedure has improved significantly the methodology for the measurement and characterization of estrogen receptor in human BPH.