Estrogen increases collagen I and III mRNA expression in the pelvic support tissues of the rhesus macaque.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to study the effect of estradiol and raloxifene on collagen synthesis, by measuring the expression collagen I and III mRNA.


METHODS
Nineteen nulliparous young adult rhesus macaques underwent oophorectomy and were treated for 5 months with estradiol alone, raloxifene, or no hormone. Tissue samples were acquired from the lateral vaginal wall, and included the paravaginal attachment and levator ani muscle. Expression of mRNA for collagen I and III was measured by in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
Estradiol increased mRNA for collagen I and III compared with no hormone and raloxifene treatment (ANOVA, P < .05). Collagen mRNA was localized to fibroblasts in the vaginal connective tissue and the connective tissue investments of striated muscle. Collagen mRNA was not expressed in epithelial, smooth, and striated muscle cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Estrogen, but not raloxifene, increases collagen gene transcription and indicates stimulation of collagen synthesis in pelvic floor connective tissues.
Clark
Amanda L
AL
Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA.
Slayden
Ov D
OD
Hettrich
Kevin
K
Brenner
Robert M
RM
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology
D024042:Collagen Type I; D024043:Collagen Type II; D004967:Estrogens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D020849:Raloxifene Hydrochloride; D004958:Estradiol