13 research outputs found
Estrogen receptors alpha and beta in rat placenta: detection by RT-PCR, real time PCR and Western blotting
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>High levels of estrogens during pregnancy not only retard placental and fetal growth but can lead to reproductive tract abnormalities in male progeny. Estrogens act through estrogen receptors (ER) to modulate the transcription of target genes. These ER exist in two isoforms, ER alpha and ER beta and recently several variants of these isoforms have been identified.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The expressions of ER isoforms and variants have been studied in rat placenta at 16, 19 and 21 days gestation (dg). Gene expression was assessed using RT-PCR and real time PCR while protein expression was studied using Western blotting followed by immunodetection. Placental homogenates were probed with: a monoclonal antibody raised against the steroid binding domain of the ER alpha (ER alpha -S), a monoclonal antibody raised against the hinge region of ER alpha (ER alpha -H) and a polyclonal antibody raised against the amino terminus of ER beta.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ER alpha and ER beta mRNA and protein were detected from as early as 16 dg. Two PCR products were detected for ER alpha, one for the wild type ER alpha, and a smaller variant. Real time PCR results suggested the presence of a single product for ER beta. The antibodies used for detection of ER alpha protein both identified a single 67 kDa isoform; however a second 54 kDa band, which may be an ER alpha variant, was identified when using the ER alpha -H antibody. The abundance of both ER alpha bands decreased significantly between 16 and 19 dg. As for ER beta, four bands (76, 59, 54 and 41 kDa) were detected. The abundance of the 59 and 54 kDa bands decreased significantly between 16 and 19 dg.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study shows that both ER protein isoforms and their variants are present in rat placenta. The decrease in their expression near parturition suggests that the placenta may be relatively unresponsive to estrogens at this stage.</p
The differentiation-inducing agent sodium butyrate produces divergent effects on albumin and thyroxine-binding globulin synthesis by human hepatoblastoma-derived (Hep G2) cells
Changes in activity and intra-acinar distribution of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme during pregnancy in rat liver
Ownership Concentration and Firm Performance in a Transition Economy: Evidence from Russia
Adenovirus 5 E1A is responsible for increased expression of insulin receptor substrate 4 in established adenovirus 5-transformed cell lines and interacts with IRS components activating the PI3 kinase/Akt signalling pathway
Mode of Genetic Inheritance Modifies the Association of Head Circumference and Autism-Related Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study
The influence of family ownership on SME performance: evidence from public firms in Taiwan
Family ownership, Family firm, Performance, SME, G32, L25, L26, M1,