title: Estrogen-binding proteins in the human postmenopausal uterus.
abstract: Two intracellular high-affinity, low-capacity estrogen-binding proteins, which have the characteristics of receptors, with equilibrium dissociation constants of 10(-10)M and 10(-9)M, have been observed in the human uterus. The higher-affinity protein (10(-10)M) appears to play the main role in activating end-organ response to estrogen stimulation. The role of the lower-affinity protein (10(-9)M) is uncertain. In a human postmenopausal uterine system without estrogen stimulation, Scatchard analysis of uterine cytosol partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and incubated at 4 degrees C for 18 hours revealed only the higher-affinity receptor component (10(-10)M). In a post menopausal uterine system with estrogen priming (and in the premenopausal uterus) both the high- and low-affinity components were observed. Competition studies indicated that the receptors were specific for estradiol. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003600:Cytosol / Q000032:analysis; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis* / Q000187:drug effects; D014599:Uterus / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D004958:Estradiol