Estradiol regulates E-cadherin mRNA levels in the surface epithelium of the mouse ovary.
E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule which is present in the surface epithelium of the mouse ovary. This cell adhesion molecule has been implicated as a suppressor of tumorigenesis. The regulators of E-cadherin mRNA levels in the ovary have not been identified. We have examined the ability of steroids to influence ovarian E-cadherin mRNA levels in vivo. Immature mice were injected with either progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17-beta estradiol or 17-alpha estradiol. Only 17-beta estradiol caused a rapid and significant increase in the ovarian E-cadherin mRNA levels. We speculate that this steroid is a key regulator of E-cadherin-mediated epithelial cell interactions in vivo. We also discuss the possibility that the carcinogenic effects of estrogens on the ovary may be related to their ability to regulate E-cadherin levels in this tissue.
Department of Surgery, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada.
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MacCalman
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Farookhi
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Blaschuk
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology
D015820:Cadherins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol