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A specific cytosolic estrogen receptor in human term placenta
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1982
Summary
Researchers identified a specific estrogen receptor in human placental tissue. This finding helps explain how hormones like estrogen and antiestrogens may influence placental function during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Antiestrogen administration (ethamoxytriphetol, MER-25) reduces placental progesterone in baboons.
- This effect in primates might involve estrogen receptors, prompting investigation in human placenta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and characteristics of an estrogen receptor in human placental tissue.
Main Methods:
- Human term placental villous tissue was homogenized and cytosol incubated with [3H] 17 beta-estradiol (E2).
- Binding assays utilized glycerol density gradient centrifugation and Scatchard analysis.
- Competition studies included diethylstilbestrol (DES), estrone, MER-25, enclomiphene, androgens, progestins, and corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- A specific [3H]E2 binding peak was identified at 5.2 S, competed by DES, E2, and enclomiphene.
- Scatchard analysis confirmed saturable, high-affinity (Kd = 1.90 X 10(-11)M), low-capacity binding.
- Binding was highly specific for estrogens, with ineffective competition by androgens, progestins, and corticosteroids.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for a specific estrogen receptor in the human placenta.
- This receptor may mediate the effects of estrogen and antiestrogens on placental function.