c-fos induction by estrogen in specific rat brain areas.
The present study was undertaken to determine whether estrogen modulates the expression of the c-fos gene in the CNS of rats. The analysis of the levels of c-fos mRNA was performed by slot blot assay. Administration of estradiol to ovariectomized rats determined a rapid and transient increase in the levels of c-fos mRNA in rat mid-brain and hippocampus, but not in the cerebellum (a brain area which does not express estrogen receptors). Such a change in the levels of c-fos mRNA was not observed after administration of alpha-estradiol or other steroid hormones. The presence of an estrogen responsive element-like sequence, revealed in the 5' flanking region of the murine c-fos gene, strengthens the hypothesis that c-fos gene transcription is directly enhanced by the interaction of the estrogen receptor complex with the promoter region of the proto-oncogene.
Cattaneo
E
E
Milano Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, Italy.
Maggi
A
A
D000818:Animals; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003720:Densitometry; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes / Q000187:drug effects*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000187:drug effects; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D004967:Estrogens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen