Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
07:42
Imaging of Estrogen Receptor-α in Rat Pial Arterioles using a Digital Immunofluorescent Microscope
Published on: November 29, 2011
Estrogen receptors in the cardiovascular system
1INSERM U55, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France.
Steroids
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Estrogen receptors (ER) are present in arterial walls, particularly the tunica media of reproductive tract arteries. Their concentration varies with hormonal status, and they appear absent in veins.
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology
- Endocrinology
- Immunocytochemistry
Background:
- Estradiol has direct effects on arterial tissue, suggesting estrogen receptor (ER) presence in the vascular wall.
- Monoclonal antibodies have significantly advanced ER detection methods in the last decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize estrogen receptors in human arterial and venous tissues.
- To investigate the relationship between ER concentration and hormonal status.
- To discuss the implications of ER in cardiovascular functions like vasodilation and cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical methods utilizing monoclonal antibodies against estrogen receptors.
- Analysis of arterial and venous tissues from human subjects.
Main Results:
- Estrogen receptors were detected in the tunica media of arteries from the reproductive tract.
- ER concentration in these arteries was found to be dependent on the hormonal status.
- Estrogen receptors were apparently absent in saphenous veins.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptors are present in specific arterial tissues, with levels modulated by hormonal status.
- The findings suggest a role for ER in vascular regulation, including blood vessel relaxation and cell proliferation.
- The absence of ER in saphenous veins indicates tissue-specific distribution within the vasculature.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:08Intracellular Hormone Receptors
Lipid-soluble hormones diffuse across the plasma and nuclear membrane of target cells to bind to their specific intracellular receptors. These receptors act as transcription factors that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in the target cell
01:31Internal Receptors
Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and therefore cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind to internal, or intracellular, receptors that reside within the cell. Many mammalian steroid hormones use this mechanism of cell signaling, as does nitric oxide (NO) gas.
01:07Types of Receptors: Internal Receptors
Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind intracellular receptors that reside within the cell cytoplasm or nucleus. Many mammalian steroid hormones and nitric oxide (NO) gas use this cell signaling mechanism.
Similar to membrane-bound receptors, the binding of a ligand to the intracellular receptor of causes a conformational change in the...
Similar to membrane-bound receptors, the binding of a ligand to the intracellular receptor of causes a conformational change in the...
01:31Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
01:26Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
β-adrenoceptors have varied sensitivities towards adrenaline, noradrenaline, and isoprenaline. The order of agonist potency is as follows:
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
01:27Regulation of the Cardiovascular System
The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...