Continuous estrogen exposure in the rat does not induce loss of uterine estrogen receptor

Cytosol estrogen receptor (ERc) and nuclear estrogen receptor (ERN) levels were investigated in rat uteri under different conditions of hormonal exposure. The amount of directly assayable receptor was closely related to the serum concentration of 17 beta-[2,4,6,7-3H] estradiol ( [3H]E2). A double injection technique was established to maintain serum levels of [3H]E2 which were sufficient to saturate receptor sites. Under these conditions, stable ERC and ERN levels are maintained throughout the study period. 30% of the total ER remains cytoplasmic in localization despite continuous hormonal exposure. Properties of ERC and ERN after 6 h of continuous hormonal exposure were investigated and found to be different from receptors found in these subcellular compartments 30 min after hormone injections. ERC from uteri 30 min after injection showed a faster sedimentation coefficient than ERC prepared 6 h after hormone treatment. ERC after 6 h of hormonal exposure showed a reduction of binding to calf thymus DNA adsorbed on cellulose in a cell-free system. ERC 30 min after [3H]E2 treatment had a biphasic dissociation pattern consistent with two different receptor populations, whereas uterine ERC obtained after 6 h of in vivo exposure to estradiol showed virtually no dissociation at 22 and 28 degrees C. In contrast to ERC, ERN 6 h after hormone injection sedimented faster than ERN obtained 30 min after treatment. KCl extractable ERN obtained either at 30 min or 6 h posthormone treatment showed biphasic dissociation kinetics at 22 and 28 degrees C, whereas KCl nonextractable ERN showed virtually no dissociation. Virtually all of the specifically bound ligand in cytosol and nuclear preparations was proven to be authentic E2. We conclude that total cellular receptor is quantitatively conserved during 6 h of continuous hormonal treatment. Nuclear receptor loss is not a requisite for receptor-mediated steroid function, although important time-dependent changes in receptor properties in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments do occur.     

Estradiol down-regulation of the rat uterine estrogen receptor

We have previously shown that neonatal exposure of rats to pharmacologic doses of diethylstilbestrol via daily injections resulted in a significant decrease in the estrogen-binding capacity of the uterine estrogen receptor (ER). In this study, we examined the effects of physiologic and pharmacologic doses of estradiol (E2) administered to adult ovariectomized rats via Silastic implants. Two days after implantation, uteri were removed, weighted, and homogenized, and ER levels were determined in the supernatant (hydroxylapatite assay) and low-speed pellet (nuclear exchange assay). Implants containing E2 concentrations of 0.005 or 0.05 mg/ml increased cytosolic but not total ER-binding capacity, whereas 0.5 or 5.0 mg of E2/ml implants decreased the binding capacity of cytosol ER to 40% and total ER to 50% of control values. The 0.005-mg/ml dose increased cytosol ER without increasing uterine weight; all higher doses significantly increased uterine weight. Determination of ER protein by an ER radioimmunoassay showed the same extent of reduction of ER concentration as the binding assays, demonstrating that the loss in E2 binding capacity is homologous down-regulation. The down-regulation of ER was maximal at 24 hr and was completely reversible after implant removal, although the time required to recover from down-regulation was dose dependent. Uterine weight also returned to control levels slowly after implant removal. Neither the sedimentation rate of the down-regulated ER nor the Kd of the cytosolic ER changed following long-term implantation; however, the Kd of the nuclear ER decreased significantly. This is the first demonstration of in vivo homologous down-regulation of uterine ER. ER down-regulation may play a role in several biologic processes.     

Long-term effects of postnatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol on uterine estrogen receptor and growth.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) treatment of female rats on postnatal days (PND) 1-5 reduces uterine growth, estrogen receptor (ER) level and gland number by PND 25, while daily DES treatment on PND 1-25 increases uterine growth 4-fold, further reduces ER level and completely suppresses gland formation. We now report the persistence of these effects in adults. By PND 60, uterine weight was 70% of controls in rats injected with DES on PND 1-5 but only 10% of controls in rats injected PND 1-10 or longer. In fact, uterine weights were the same on PND 10 and 60. Uterine gland numbers were reduced to 30% of controls in all DES-treated rats regardless of exposure length; however, luminal and glandular epithelial cell heights were reduced to less than 50 and 70%, respectively, of controls when DES was given on PND 1-25 but not when given on PND 1-5. Ovariectomy 7 days prior to sacrifice on PND 60 reduced uterine weight in controls by 67% and in rats injected with DES on PND 1-5 by 53%, but had no effect in rats injected with DES on PND 1-10. DES exposure at either PND 1-5 or 1-10 lowered ER levels by 35-50% at both 60 and 90 days. Treatment with a high dose of estradiol (E2) 1 week before sacrifice significantly down-regulated ER to the same concentration in all treatment groups at PND 60 and 90. Following E2 treatment, all groups also showed increased uterine weight at PND 60 and 90. These data show there is a short period of development (PND 5-10) in which further DES exposure indirectly inhibits uterine growth.     

Transformation of the rat uterine estrogen receptor after partial purification

Warming crude rat uterine cytosol after the addition of [³H] estradiol accelerates the association of the 4-S estrogen-binding protein with a second macromolecule, resulting in the formation of the 5-S estrogen-binding protein. To determine whether the 5-S estrogen-binding protein consists of two similar or dissimilar subunits, uterine cytosol was subjected to a number of fractionation procedures that separate macromolecules by solubility, molecular gel sieving, sedimentation rate, ionic charge, and heat lability. Following each of these methods, the fraction containing the 4-S estrogen-binding protein was incubated at 28°C; each of these 4-S estrogen-binding protein-containing fractions retained its capacity to completely transform to the 5-S estrogen-binding protein. In samples subjected to partial purification procedures, it was necessary that the buffer contain 40 mM Tris, 60 mM KCI, 1–10 mM dithiothreitol, and 1 M urea at pH 7.4, in order to accomplish the 4-S to 5-S estrogen-binding protein transformation at 28°C. Formation of the 5-S estrogen-binding protein requires association of the 4-S estrogen-binding protein with a molecule identical to or very similar to itself.     

Effect of phospholipids on estrogen receptor of rat uterine cytosol

Phospholipids such as phosphatidyl inositol and phosphatidyl serine inhibit the binding of R5020 and progestin receptors. The effect of phospholipids on the binding of estrogen and estrogen receptors of rat uterine cytosol was studied. Phosphatidyl choline, sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, cardiolipin, and phosphatidic acid inhibited the binding of estradiol and estrogen receptors. This inhibitory effect of phosphatidyl inositol and cardiolipin was dose dependent.     

Spatial and molecular aspects of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in human uteri and uterine carcinomas

The expression of steroid hormone receptors as molecules reflecting processes of development and differentiation in the human uterine tissue was analysed in a spatial distinct fashion: tissue samples were excised at the fundus and at different, spatially distinct positions of the uterus. They were analysed for concentrations of cytosolic estrogen and progesterone receptors in supernatants from frozen sections using an isoelectric focusing technique. The spatial and molecular distinct, qualitative and quantitative pattern of their expression in the human uterus and uterine adenocarcinomas were studied by sectioning tissue sample from the functionalis through the basalis of the endometrium until reaching deep myometrial parts of the tissue: (1) Specific spatial patterns of estrogen and progesterone receptor levels were detectable throughout the menstrual cycle. (2) For proliferative endometrium from the functionalis to the basalis of the endometrium, the content of both cytosolic receptor species increased up to 6-fold. (3) Differences detectable were less pronounced in the myometrial part of the tissue. (4) Differences of steroid receptor concentrations measured in the endometrium at different uterine positions were highest between fundus and corpus of the endometrium. (5) Maximal differences were detectable around ovulation. (6) After secretory transformation of the organ, specific patterns were still detectable, however quantitative differences were less pronounced. (7) Additionally, quantitative differences measurable were accompanied by variations of molecular properties of the progesterone receptor as demonstrated in an isoelectric focusing gel. (8) In endometrial adenocarcinomas, not only significant quantitative alterations in steroid receptor content were measured, but also a significantly changed spatial pattern of receptor concentrations, also a change of the molecular properties of the progesterone receptor was resolved if these tumor parameters were compared to those detected in the normal tissue of the same organ surrounding the tumor.     

Transformation of the rat uterine estrogen receptor after partial purification.

Warming crude ratuterine cytosol after the addition of [3H] estradiol accelerates the association of the 4-S estrogen-binding protein with a second macromolecule, resulting in the formation of the 5-S estrogen-binding protein. To determine whether the 5-S estrogen-binding protein consists of two similar or dissimilar subunits, uterine cytosol was subjected to a number of fractionation procedures that separate macromolecules by solubility, molecular gel sieving, sedimentation rate, ionic charge, and heat lability. Following each of these methods, the fraction containing the 4-S estrogen-binding protein was incubated at 28 degrees C; each of the these 4-S estrogen-binding protein-containing fractions retained its capacity to completely transform to the 5-S estrogen-binding protein. In samples subjected to partial purification procedures, it was necessary that the buffer contain 40 mM Tris, 60 mM Tris, 60 mM KC1, 1-10 MM dithiothreitol, and 1 M urea at pH 7.4, in order to accomplish the 4-S to 5-S estrogen-binding protein transformation at 25 degrees C. Formation of the 5-S estrogen-binding protein requires association of the 4-Estrogen-binding protein with a molecule identical to or very similar to itself.     

An ovarian independent population of uterine estrogen receptors

Estrogen receptor levels in uteri from ovariectomized mice varied markedly with time after surgery; these changes were not due to nuclear translocation. Receptor cyclicity was abolished in ovariectomized-adrenalectomized mice, and receptor levels remained low. This indicates that the adrenals significantly influenced uterine estrogen receptor levels. However, these adrenal-mediated changes did not alter uterine responsiveness to estrogen stimulation.     

Nuclear binding of the estrogen receptor in whole uteri

In order to show whether the estrogen complex (ER) in the intact cell binds to some nuclear component or whether it is in free equilibrium between the cytoplasm and the nucleus, we incubated intact uteri under conditions which increased the ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic ER. These conditions included (a) the use of sucrose at concentrations greater than 0.75 M, (b) ethanol at 7.5% to 10%, or (c) 1 mM mercuric chloride or phenylmercuric acetate. Whereas (b) and (c) increased the ratio by preferentially denaturing the cytoplasmic ER, (a) caused ER to move from the cytoplasm into the nucleus by an undetermined mechanism. Uteri with a high ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic ER were then washed, incubated in fresh “normal” incubation media, fractionated and the location of ER determined. If ER binding does occur in the nucleus, the high ratio of nuclear ER to cytoplasmic ER should be maintained, whereas if ER is in an equilibrium in the cell, ER should redistribute and reestablish the “normal” ratio. In all cases studied; i.e., after pretreatment with sucrose at different concentrations, ethanol at different concentrations and either mercuric chloride or phenylmercuric acetate, the ratio of nuclear to cytoplasmic ER remained high, suggesting that ER binds to some nuclear component in intact cells.     

The activation function-1 domain of estrogen receptor alpha in uterine stromal cells is required for mouse but not human uterine epithelial response to estrogen

The activation function-1 (AF-1) domain of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in stromal cells has been shown to be required for epithelial responses to estrogen in the mouse uterus. To investigate the role of the stroma in estrogenic responses of human uterine epithelium (hUtE), human/mouse chimeric uteri composed of human epithelium and mouse stroma were prepared as tissue recombinants (TR) that were grown in vivo under the renal capsule of female nude mouse hosts. In association with mouse uterine stroma (mUtS), hUtE formed normal glands surrounded by mouse endometrial stroma and the human epithelium influenced the differentiation of stroma into myometrium, such that a histologically normal appearing uterine tissue was formed. The hUtE showed a similar proliferative response and increase in progesterone receptors (PR) in response to 17beta-estradiol (E2) in association with either human or mUtS, as TRs. However, under identical endocrine and micro-environmental conditions, hUtE required 5-7 days exposure to E2 rather than 1 day, as shown for mouse uterine epithelium, to obtain a maximal proliferative response. Moreover, this extended length of E2 exposure inhibited mouse epithelial proliferation in the presence of mouse stroma. In addition, unlike the mouse epithelium, which does not proliferate or show regulation of PR expression in response to E2 in association with uterine stroma derived from mice that are null for the AF-1 domain of ERalpha, hUtE proliferates and PR are up-regulated in response to E2 in association genetically identical ERalpha knock-out mouse stromal cells. These results clearly demonstrate fundamental differences between mouse and human uterine epithelia with respect to the mechanisms that regulate estrogen-induced proliferation and expression of PR. Moreover, we show that genetically engineered mouse models could potentially aid in dissecting molecular pathways of stromal epithelial interactions in the human uterus.     

Effect of estradiol on estrogen receptor expression in rat uterine cell types

In rodent uterus, both up- and down-regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels by estradiol has been demonstrated; however, it is not known which of the uterine compartments (endometrial epithelium, stroma, myometrium) respond to estradiol with autoregulation of ERalpha. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the kinetics and cell type-specific effects of estradiol on uterine ERalpha expression in immature and adult rats. Ovariectomized female rats were injected s.c. with sesame oil or estradiol-17beta. Uteri were collected and analyzed for changes in ERalpha mRNA using RNase protection assays (RPA) and in situ hybridization using radiolabeled probes specific for ERalpha. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with a polyclonal antibody specific to ERalpha. Expression of ERalpha in the uterine epithelial cells decreased at 3 and 6 h after estradiol administration to immature and adult rats, respectively. At 24 h, ERalpha mRNA levels in the immature and mature rat uterus were higher than pretreatment levels but returned to baseline by 72 h. Pretreatment with cycloheximide did not block the 3-h repressive effect of estradiol, suggesting that the estradiol-induced decrease in ERalpha mRNA occurs independent of new protein synthesis. A decrease in ERalpha mRNA and protein was also observed in uterine epithelia at 3 and 6 h after an estradiol injection to immature and adult rats, and intensity of both the in situ hybridization signal and the immunostaining in the epithelium increased at 24 and 72 h. However, the periluminal stromal cells in the adult uterus and the majority of stromal cells of the immature uterus appeared to have increased ERalpha expression. The results indicate that down-regulation of ERalpha in the epithelia and up-regulation of stromal ERalpha play a role in early events associated with estradiol-induced cell proliferation of the uterine epithelia.     

Cellular turnover in the rat uterine cervix and its relationship to estrogen and progesterone receptor dynamics

Histoarchitectural changes of the uterine cervix allow its successful adaptation to different physiological conditions. In this study, we evaluated cell turnover in each cellular compartment of the uterine cervix in association with steroid hormone receptor expression in order to establish the range of physiological changes. Proliferation, apoptosis, and progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression were evaluated in cycling, pregnant, and postpartum rats. In estrus and diestrus II, ERalpha and PR expression exhibited variations according to the region evaluated. Proliferation and apoptosis showed a reciprocal pattern, the epithelium being the region with higher cell turnover. High apoptotic index (AI) in estrus was associated with the lowest ERalpha and the highest PR scores. During pregnancy, proliferation of the epithelium was the predominant event and AI was low. On Postpartum Day 1 (PPD1), proliferation decreased while apoptosis increased. As described for the estrous cycle, during pregnancy and PPD1, AI and ERalpha were negatively correlated. In the fibroblastic stroma, low proliferation was observed throughout pregnancy; however, there was a net increase in cell number because very few cells underwent apoptosis. No difference in ERalpha was observed in fibroblastic cells during pregnancy and postpartum; however, a great decrease of this receptor in the epithelial compartment was observed after delivery. Unlike cervical epithelium, PR was highly expressed in stromal cells. At term, a dramatic increase in epithelial PR was observed. While epithelial PR remained high on PPD1, a decrease was observed in muscle stroma. These results show that, in all stages studied, 1) ERalpha and PR have different patterns of expression with differential responses to signals that modulate proliferation and/or apoptosis depending on the cellular compartment, and 2) even though the epithelium is the region with the highest cell turnover, the fibroblastic and muscle stroma are active regions that have their own patterns of behavior.     

A nuclear transforming factor that converts the goat uterine nonactivated estrogen receptor to nuclear estrogen receptor II

A 62-kDa nuclear protein that transforms the goat uterine nonactivated estrogen receptor (naER) to nuclear estrogen receptor II (nER II) has been isolated and purified. This is being identified as the naER-transforming factor (naER-TF). The transformation is achieved through deglycosylation of the naER. It is observed that the naER-TF action on the naER introduces significant changes in the structural and functional features of the naER. The capacity of the naER to bind estradiol increases 8- to 10-fold, while its hormone binding affinity reduces to a considerable extent following its exposure to naER TF. There is a critical ratio in the concentration of the two proteins, the TF and the naER, that would ensure an optimum transformation process. The transformed naER is incapable of dimerization with the estrogen receptor activation factor (E-RAF).