title: Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) leukocytes express estrogen receptor isoforms ERα and ERβ2 and are functionally modulated by estrogens.
abstract: Estrogens are recognized as modulators of immune responses in mammals and teleosts. While it is known that the effects of estrogens are mediated via leukocyte-specific estrogen receptors (ERs) in humans and mice, leucocyte-specific estrogen receptor expression and the effects of estrogens on this cell population is less explored and poorly understood in teleosts. Here in, we verify that channel catfish (Ictalurus punctaus) leukocytes express ERα and ERβ2. Transcripts of these isoforms were detected in tissue-associated leukocyte populations by PCR, but ERβ2 was rarely detected in PBLs. Expression of these receptors was temporally regulated in PBLs following polyclonal activation by concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharide or alloantigen based on evaluation by quantitative and end-point PCR. Examination of long-term leukocyte cell lines demonstrated that these receptors are differentially expressed depending on leukocyte lineage and phenotype. Expression of ERs was also temporally dynamic in some leukocyte lineages and may reflect stage of cell maturity. Estrogens affect the responsiveness of channel catfish peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) to mitogens in vitro. Similarly, bactericidal activity and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced respiratory burst was modulated by 17β-estradiol. These actions were blocked by the pure ER antagonist ICI 182780 indicating that response is, in part, mediated via ERα. In summary, estrogen receptors are expressed in channel catfish leukocytes and participate in the regulation of the immune response. This is the first time leukocyte lineage expression has been reported in teleost cell lines.
authors: US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Fish Health Branch, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA. Electronic address: liwanowicz@usgs.gov.
authors: Luke R
authors: LR
authors: Iwanowicz
authors: Z508 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
authors: James L
authors: JL
authors: Stafford
authors: US Geological Survey, Texas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Unit, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
authors: Reynaldo
authors: R
authors: Patiño
authors: Department of Microbiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Bengten
authors: Department of Microbiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
authors: Norman W
authors: NW
authors: Miller
authors: US Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Fish Health Branch, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA.
authors: Vicki S
authors: VS
authors: Blazer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D029941:Fish Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007059:Ictaluridae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000494:pharmacology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D004967:Estrogens; D029941:Fish Proteins; D007519:Isoantigens; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D008934:Mitogens; D003208:Concanavalin A
keywords: Estrogen; Estrogen receptor; Ictalurus; Immunomodulation; Leukocytes