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Expression of oestrogen receptor beta (ER beta) in multiple rat tissues visualised by immunohistochemistry
P T Saunders1, S M Maguire, J Gaughan
1MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
Steroid hormones regulate cell function via specific receptors, members of a super family of ligand activated transcription factors, expressed in their target tissues. A second oestrogen receptor (ER beta) has recently been shown by RT-PCR to have a wide tissue distribution distinct from that of oestrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha). We have raised a polyclonal antiserum using a peptide specific for ER beta in order to determine the cellular sites of expression of the receptor. In the adult rat ER beta was localised to cell nuclei in a wide range of tissues including ovary, oviduct, uterus, lung, adrenal, seminal vesicle, bladder, heart, prostate and testis. In the ovary ER beta was present in multiple cell types including granulosa cells in small, medium and large follicles, theca and corpora lutea whereas ER alpha was undetectable in these cell types. In the uterus ER beta and ER alpha were both present in epithelial cells lining the lumen and glands. In the lung ER beta was present in the cells lining the bronchioles and alveoli as well as in smooth muscle. In bladder and seminal vesicle immunostaining was intense in epithelial cells but the receptor was also expressed in nuclei of smooth muscle cells. Cell nuclei of the heart ventricle were immunopositive for ER beta as were most cells of the adult rat adrenal. In the seminiferous epithelium of the testis, nuclei of Sertoli cells were immunopositive but expression was not stage dependent. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry has proved invaluable in visualising specific sites of expression of ER beta in complex tissues including those of the reproductive tract.
Insights
A new study identified the cellular locations of estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) in adult rats using a specific antiserum. ER beta is widely distributed in tissues, including the reproductive tract, distinct from estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha).
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Steroid hormones regulate cellular functions through ligand-activated transcription factors, such as estrogen receptors (ERs).
- A second estrogen receptor, ER beta, has a distinct tissue distribution compared to ER alpha, as shown by RT-PCR.
- Understanding the cellular localization of ER beta is crucial for elucidating its physiological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the specific cellular sites of expression for estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) in adult rat tissues.
- To compare the tissue distribution of ER beta with that of ER alpha.
- To utilize immunohistochemistry for visualizing ER beta expression in complex biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Raised a polyclonal antiserum specific for ER beta using a synthetic peptide.
- Employed immunohistochemistry to localize ER beta in various adult rat tissues.
- Examined ER beta expression in reproductive organs, lung, adrenal gland, bladder, and heart.
Main Results:
- ER beta was localized to cell nuclei in a broad range of adult rat tissues, including the ovary, uterus, lung, adrenal, seminal vesicle, bladder, heart, prostate, and testis.
- In the ovary, ER beta was found in granulosa cells, theca cells, and corpora lutea, while ER alpha was undetectable.
- ER beta and ER alpha were co-expressed in uterine epithelial cells, and ER beta was present in lung, bladder, seminal vesicle, heart, adrenal, and Sertoli cells of the testis.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistochemistry is an effective method for visualizing the specific expression sites of ER beta in complex tissues.
- ER beta exhibits a wide tissue distribution in adult rats, with significant presence in reproductive organs.
- The distinct localization patterns of ER beta and ER alpha suggest specialized functions in different tissues.
