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Estrogen and progesterone receptors in human gallbladder
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Human gallbladder contains estrogen and progesterone receptors, potentially explaining hormone sensitivity and function. These findings may impact understanding of gallbladder disease prevalence in women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Gallbladder disease is more common in women than men.
- Estrogen therapy and increased progesterone levels are linked to gallbladder issues.
- Sex hormones mediate actions via specific receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in human gallbladder tissue.
- To determine if these receptors explain hormonal influences on gallbladder function.
Main Methods:
- Radiolabeled hormone binding assays on human gallbladder cytosol and nuclei from both sexes.
- Hormone binding specificity, affinity, and saturation analysis.
- Sephadex G-100 fractionation of cytosol to identify bound proteins.
Main Results:
- Evidence of saturable, high-affinity, and specific binding of estrogen and progesterone.
- Receptors identified in both cytosol and nuclear fractions of human gallbladder.
- Fractionation excluded binding to sex steroid-binding globulin or albumin.
Conclusions:
- Human gallbladder possesses both estrogen and progesterone receptors.
- These receptors likely mediate the gallbladder's sensitivity to sex hormones.
- Steroid hormone interaction with these receptors may influence gallbladder function.