Estrogen receptor alpha and beta expression in the vaginal walls and uterosacral ligaments of premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the vaginal walls and uterosacral ligaments of premenopausal and postmenopausal women.


METHODS
In vitro experiment.


METHODS
Academic research environment.


METHODS
Sixteen consecutively seen women who underwent hysterectomy.


METHODS
Samples of anterior vaginal walls and uterosacral ligaments were obtained during hysterectomy.


METHODS
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis for estrogen receptor mRNA.


RESULTS
Messenger RNA transcripts for estrogen receptor alpha were present in all samples of vaginal walls (16/16) and uterosacral ligaments (16/16). Estrogen receptor beta mRNA was detected in all samples of vaginal walls from premenopausal women (12/12) but in none of those from postmenopausal women (0/4). Estrogen receptor beta mRNA was found in most samples of uterosacral ligaments from premenopausal women (10/12) and in some of those from postmenopausal women (2/4).


CONCLUSIONS
Estrogen receptors alpha and beta were expressed in the vaginal walls and uterosacral ligaments of premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Estrogen receptor beta was absent from the vaginal walls of postmenopausal women.
Chen
G D
GD
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Oliver
R H
RH
Leung
B S
BS
Lin
L Y
LY
Yeh
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000737:chemistry*; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D017697:Premenopause; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics*; D012447:Sacrum; D014599:Uterus; D014621:Vagina / Q000737:chemistry*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen