Proliferative responses to altered 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD) type 2 expression in human breast cancer cells are dependent on endogenous expression of 17HSD type 1 and the oestradiol receptors.

The primary source of oestrogen in premenopausal women is the ovary but, after menopause, oestrogen biosynthesis in peripheral tissue is the exclusive site of formation. An enzyme group that affects the availability of active oestrogens is the 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD) family. In breast cancer, 17HSD type 1 and type 2 have been mostly investigated and seem to be the principal 17HSD enzymes involved thus far. The question whether 17HSD type 1 or type 2 is of greatest importance in breast tumour development is still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate how the loss of 17HSD type 2 expression, using siRNA in the non-tumour breast epithelial cells HMEC (human mammal epithelial cells) and MCF10A, and gain of 17HSD type 2 expression, using transient transfection in the breast cancer derived cell lines MCF7 and T47D, affect oestradiol conversion and proliferation rate measured as S-phase fraction. We further investigated how this was related to the endogenous expression of 17HSD type 1 and oestradiol receptors in the examined cell lines. The oestradiol level in the medium changed significantly in the MCF7 transfected cells and the siRNA-treated HMEC cells, but not in T47D or MCF10A. The S-phase fraction decreased in the 17HSD type 2-transfected MCF7 cells and the siRNA-treated HMEC cells. The results seemed to be dependent on the endogenous expression of 17HSD type 1 and the oestradiol receptors. In conclusion, we found that high or low levels of 17HSD type 2 affected the oestradiol concentration significantly. However, the response was dependent on the endogenous expression of 17HSD type 1. Expression of 17HSD type 1 seems to be dominant to 17HSD type 2. Therefore, it may be important to investigate a ratio between 17HSD type 1 and 17HSD type 2.

Subcellular distribution of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-binding protein and estrogen receptors in control pituitaries and estrogen-induced pituitary tumors.

Binding of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and steroid receptors was studied in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of pituitaries from castrated rats, in rats subjected to acute (60 min) or short-term (4 days) estradiol (E2) treatment, and in diethylstilbestrol-induced pituitary tumors (DES-T). E2 receptors were primarily in nuclear extracts in all animals that were given estrogens, whereas cytosolic receptors were low to absent. Contrarily, castrated rats showed high quantities of cytoplasmic receptor but little in nuclear sites. The progestin receptor was induced only in 4-day E2-treated rats and in DES-T. cAMP binding was stimulated in cytosol from 4-day E2-treated rats and in DES-T, but a significant reduction in binding was also noted in nuclear extracts from DES-T. Scatchard analysis for the cytosolic cAMP-binding activity demonstrated a two-component system, and the increased cAMP binding obtained in DES-T seemed to be caused by an increase in the low-affinity, high-capacity binder [regulatory type II (RII) subunit of protein kinase]. Suggestion of the preferential estrogenic induction of RII was also obtained by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, which provided separation of RI and RII subunits. The results suggest that sustained estrogenization leads to induction of cytosolic cAMP-binding protein and increased levels of nuclear E2 receptor. In DES-T, this effect resulted in an inverse subcellular distribution of both binding proteins, which may be related to abnormal growth of the pituitary, as has been postulated for hormone-dependent mammary tumors.

Estradiol regulation of uterine nucleolar estradiol binding sites.

Rat uterine nuclei contain two types of estrogen binding sites (I and II). Type I is the classical high-affinity, low-capacity binding component, while Type II has lower affinity and higher capacity. Investigation of the presence and number of estrogen-binding proteins in isolated uterine nucleoli, and the possible role of the estrogen-binding protein(s) in the stimulation of nucleolar RNA synthesis was undertaken. Isolated uterine nucleoli contain a large number of lower-affinity binding sites (Type II) but are devoid of a significant number of high-affinity binding protein(s) (Type I). Following in vivo treatment with estradiol the number of detectable Type II estradiol-binding sites in isolated uterine nucleoli increased with time of estrogen treatment, peaking between 16 and 24 h after hormone administration and gradually decreasing to control levels between 48 and 72 h. The estrogen-activated binding activity but not the basal activity is sensitive to dithiothreitol and insensitive to beta-mercaptoethanol during the in vitro assay, suggesting that important disulfide bonds may be involved in the estrogen-induced nucleolar binding sites. The in vivo activation of nucleolar estradiol-binding sites exhibits steroid specificity. Data indicate that a strong correlation exists between activation of uterine nucleolar transcriptional and estradiol-binding activities.

Synthesis and biological properties of new stilbene derivatives of resveratrol as new selective aryl hydrocarbon modulators.

We developed new stilbene derivatives of resveratrol (E)-1-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethene) selective for AhR and devoid of affinity for ER. Among the 24 stilbenes synthesized, all display a higher affinity than resveratrol for AhR. (E)-1-(4'-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-(3,5-ditrifluoromethylphenyl)ethene (4e), (E)-1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)ethene (4j), and (E)-1-(4'-chlorophenyl)-2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)ethene (4b) are selective, high-affinity AhR antagonists with, respective, K(i)s of 2.1, 1.4, and 1.2 nM. (E)-1-(4'-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)ethene (4i) displays a K(i) of 0.2 nM and is a selective and high-affinity agonist on AhR.

Membrane 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (5alphaP) receptors in MCF-7 and MCF-10A breast cancer cells are up-regulated by estradiol and 5alphaP and down-regulated by the progesterone metabolites, 3alpha-dihydroprogesterone and 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, with associated changes in cell proliferation and detachment.

Previous studies have shown that the progesterone metabolite, 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (5alphaP), exhibits mitogenic and metastatic activity in breast cell lines and that specific, high affinity receptors for 5alphaP are located in the plasma membrane fractions of tumorigenic (ER/PR-positive) MCF-7 cells. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the mitogenic (estradiol; 5alphaP) and anti-mitogenic (3alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-20-one, 3alphaHP; 20alpha-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 20alphaHP) endogenous steroid hormones on 5alphaP receptor (5alphaP-R) numbers and on cell proliferation and adhesion of MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. Exposure of MCF-7 cells for 24h to estradiol or 5alphaP resulted in significant (p < 0.05-0.001) dose-dependent increases in 5alphaP-R levels. Conversely, treatment with 3alphaHP or 20alphaHP resulted in significant (p < 0.05-0.01) dose-dependent decreases in 5alphaP-R levels. Treatment with one mitogenic and one anti-mitogenic hormone resulted in inhibition of the mitogen-induced increases, whereas treatment with two mitogenic or two anti-mitogenic hormones resulted in additive effects on 5alphaP-R numbers. Treatments with cycloheximide and actinomycin D indicate that changes in 5alphaP-R levels depend upon transcription and translation. The non-tumorigenic breast cell line, MCF-10A, was also shown to posses specific, high affinity plasma membrane receptors for 5alphaP that were up-regulated by estradiol and 5alphaP and down-regulated by 3alphaHP. Estradiol binding was demonstrated in MCF-10A cell membrane fractions and may explain the estradiol action in these cells that lack intracellular ER. In both MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells, the increases in 5alphaP-R due to estradiol or 5alphaP, and decreases due to 3alphaHP or 20alphaHP correlate with respective increases and decreases in cell proliferation as well as detachment. These results show distribution of 5alphaP-R in several cell types and they provide further evidence of the significance of progesterone metabolites and their novel membrane-associated receptors in breast cancer stimulation and control. The findings that 3alphaHP and 20alphaHP down-regulate 5alphaP-R and suppress mitogenic and metastatic activity suggest that these endogenous anti-mitogenic progesterone metabolites deserve considerations in designing new breast cancer therapeutic agents.

In vitro responses to 17beta-estradiol throughout pubertal maturation in female human bone cells.

To test the hypothesis that bone sensitivity to estrogens differ with the pubertal status, we cultured human osteoblasts (hOBs) from 14 girls (3-18 years) and examined the effects of repeated weekly doses of 17beta-estradiol (E2, 10 pM-10 nM) on estradiol receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression, type I procollagen (PICP) and osteocalcin (BGP; bone Gla protein) production, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The bone samples were divided into two equal groups according to the pubertal status and plasma E2 level of the donor. The two groups were significantly different for age (9 +/- 1 and 15 +/- 1 years), pubertal status (Tanner stages I-III and IV-V), and plasma E2 concentrations (17 +/- 3 and 49 +/- 4 pg/ml). ER and PR were expressed and not influenced by the sexual maturation in untreated cells. E2 increased ER in the two groups with nanomolar doses. Picomolar doses did not significantly increase ER expression but led to significant differences in the percentage of cells expressing ER in premenarchial (33%) and postmenarchial (7%) hOB cultures. In the two groups, E2 had no clear effect on PR expression, ALP activity, nor BGP production. But repeated weekly doses of E2 significantly influenced PICP production at picomolar doses. This effect depended upon the sexual maturation of the donor. E2 decreased PICP in premenarchial cultures and increased PICP in postmenarchial cultures. Thus, E2 modulates in vitro human bone cell metabolism and probably their phenotype and has different effects, depending on the pubertal status of the donor. Unlike what could have been expected, prepubertal and early pubertal hOBs appear to be specifically sensitive to picomolar doses of E2, suggesting that this hormone is a crucial regulator of bone metabolism even before puberty.

On the presence of nonfunctional uterine estrogen receptors in middle-aged and old C57BL/6J mice.

The nuclear binding kinetics of uterine 17 beta-estradiol (E2) receptors (UER) were studied throughout aging in intact and castrated (OVX) mice. When compared to young animals, 15- to 18-month-old mice showed a significant reduction in their total cytosolic (0.526 vs. 0.405 pmol/uterus; P less than 0.05) and nuclear (0.37 vs. 0.16 pmol/uterus; P less than 0.01) UER content, whereas the affinity (Ka) for estrogens remained constant (0.8-1.6 X 10(9) M-1). This age-related decrease in UER was preceded by a blunted and retarded nuclear binding of UER at 10-14 months of age, which was further accentuated after transition from perimenopause. Ovariectomy (OVX), whether performed neonatally or in adulthood, reduced the total concentration of cytosolic and nuclear UER in each age group studied, but did not prevent this reduced nuclear binding observed in middleaged mice. However, when standardized per tissue protein, the mean number of cytosolic UER from young and middle-aged, but not old, mice was reduced by 50% after neonatal OVX (176.5, 178.4, and 218.8 fmol/mg protein, respectively), whereas it remained unchanged when OVX was performed in adulthood and the animals subsequently studied at peri- and postmenopausal ages (326.3 and 283.3 fmol/mg protein, respectively). Daily administration of a physiological dose of E2 for 7 days to OVX mice of each age group induced maximal synthesis of UER in young animals, but not in peri- and postmenopausal ones; in peri- and postmenopausal animals, this was paralleled by reduced uterotropic responses despite similar increments in plasma E2. These results suggest an age-related, gonad-independent decline in the number of functional UER early in reproductive aging.

Growth of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells is stimulated by estradiol via its own receptor.

We report that growth of LNCaP human prostate cancer cells is significantly stimulated (up to 120% above control) by physiological estradiol (E2) concentrations. This growth increase appears to be comparable to that induced by either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, as also reported by others. This paper presents novel illustrative evidence for estrogen-binding proteins and messenger RNA transcripts in LNCaP cells. In fact, 1) the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction system documented normal messenger RNA for estrogen receptors (ER); 2) the radioligand binding assay allowed the detection of high affinity, reduced capacity binding sites in both soluble and nuclear cell fractions; and 3) the immunocytochemical analysis showed a consistently intensive staining for both ER and progesterone receptors. Compared to other human estrogen-responsive mammary cancer cells, MCF7 and ZR75-1, ER expression in LNCaP cells was not significantly lower, as shown by levels of the ER transcripts, number of sites per cell, or femtomoles per mg DNA as well as the percentage and intensity of immunocytochemical staining. A relative estimate of ER expression obtained by matching LNCaP with another human prostate cancer cell line, PC3, always displayed significantly and consistently higher levels in LNCaP cells. The detection of relatively high type I ER content in either cell compartment of LNCaP cells was paralleled by a highly intensive staining for progesterone receptors. In addition, evidence that the synthetic androgen R1881 did not compete for type I binding of E2 and that any E2-induced growth was completely reversed by the pure antiestrogen ICI-182,780, but unaffected by the antiandrogen Casodex, clearly suggests that the biological response of LNCaP cells to E2 is mediated via its own receptor.

Potentiation of estradiol binding to human tissue proteins by unsaturated nonesterified fatty acids.

Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) have been recently shown in the rat to be involved in steroid hormone expression, having effects on plasma transport and intracellular activity. This study examines the influence of saturated and unsaturated NEFAs on estradiol (E2) binding to cytosol from human uterus, breast, and melanoma. Binding was analyzed after separation with dextran-coated charcoal or hydroxylapatite and by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Unsaturated NEFAs induced a 2- to 10-fold increase (P less than 0.001) in E2 binding to cytosol from normal, fibromatous, and neoplastic uteri, while saturated NEFAs had a slight inhibitory effect (P less than 0.05). Similar effects were seen with cytosol from metastatic melanoma lymph nodes and neoplastic breast tissues. By contrast, unsaturated NEFAs did not increase E2 binding to serum from these patients. Density gradient centrifugation indicated that the increased binding was associated with the proteins present in the 2- to 4 S region. Analysis of E2 metabolites in the presence of unsaturated NEFAs showed the formation of water-soluble derivatives. Seventy percent of these E2 derivatives were trichloracetic acid precipitable, suggesting a covalent link between the steroid and a protein. The existence of such water-soluble metabolites could be erroneously interpreted as a true binding to soluble cytoplasmic receptors.

Inhibitory effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on the luteal synthesis of progesterone, estradiol receptors, and prolactin surges during early pregnancy.

Our recent studies demonstrated that the continuous administration of a GnRH agonist (GnRH-Ag; WY 40972) induces abortion in rats by suppressing plasma progesterone (P) levels within 24 h. This fall in P levels is not accompanied by a fall in ovarian venous plasma testosterone (T) or estradiol (E) levels. In this study an attempt was made 1) to determine whether the suppression of P by GnRH-Ag is due to decreased estrogen present in the corpora lutea (CL) and/or a decrease in luteal receptors of E, and 2) to investigate the effects of GnRH-Ag on the nocturnal surges of PRL. Rats were treated continuously on days 7-11 of pregnancy with 5 micrograms/day GnRH-Ag using an osmotic minipump. Ovarian blood samples were obtained on day 8; at autopsy CL were harvested and incubated with medium 199 for 4 h at 37 C under an atmosphere of 95% oxygen-5% carbon-dioxide. Additional rats were killed on day 8 or 10; CL were isolated from the ovary and pooled within the group for the measurement of nuclear and cytosolic E receptors. In other experiments, on days 8, 9, 10, and 11 of pregnancy, blood samples (0.3 ml) were collected via an indwelling intraatrial Silastic cannula at 0330, 0500, or 0600 h for the measurement of PRL and P. While the net synthesis of P by CL in the GnRH-Ag-treated rats decreased to 48 +/- 12 from 224 +/- 47 ng/CL in controls, T and E levels were not different from their respective control values. Steroid levels in ovarian venous plasma reflected a similar response. Nuclear E receptors levels were 82 and 80 in controls and 39 and 41 fmol/mg DNA in the treated group on days 8 and 10, respectively. Nocturnal surges of PRL in plasma were detected at 0330 h in controls as well as in treated rats. However, plasma PRL levels at 0330 h were 101 +/- 24, 120 +/- 22, 196 +/- 40, and 103 +/- 13 ng/ml in controls and 44 +/- 8, 50 +/- 10, 29 +/- 13, and 20 +/- 9 in the GnRH-Ag-treated group on days 8, 9, 10, and 11, respectively. These results suggest that GnRH-Ag has no effect on the ability of the luteal synthesis of T and E and that the antipregnancy effect of GnRH-Ag may be at the level of the CL due to the direct inhibitory effect of GnRH-Ag on the luteal synthesis of P, which, in turn, results in decreased nocturnal surges of PRL and a fall in E receptors in the CL. Alternatively, GnRH-Ag treatment could suppress ovarian or luteal receptors for PRL, which, in turn, lower luteal E receptors, leading to a fall in luteal synthesis and release of P.

Synthesis of A-ring fluorinated derivatives of (17 alpha,20E/Z)-[125I]iodovinylestradiols: effect on receptor binding and receptor-mediated target tissue uptake.

We have prepared a series of 2- and 4-fluoro derivatives of the isomeric (17 alpha,20E)- and (17 alpha, 20Z)iodovinylestradiols (IVE2) and also the analogs substituted with either a 7 alpha-methyl (7 alpha-Me-IVE2) or 11 beta-methoxy group (11 beta-OMe-IVE2) and evaluated their in vitro and in vivo properties. Electrophilic substitution of the estrone derivatives with N-fluoropyridinium salt gave the 2- and 4-fluoro analogs which were subsequently converted to the 17 alpha-ethynyl derivatives. The tributylstannyl intermediates were obtained from the corresponding 17 alpha-ethynyl analogs using azobisisobutyronitrile or triethylborane as catalyst. All 12 products were also prepared as their no-carrier-added [125I]iodovinyl analogs via destannylation of the tributylstannyl precursors. Binding affinity for the estrogen receptor (ER) was in general higher for the 4-F derivatives as compared to the 2-F derivatives, while the 20Z isomers of the same compounds showed somewhat higher ER binding affinity as compared to the 20E isomers. The combination of an A-ring fluoro and 7 alpha- or 11 beta-substituent decreased ER binding affinity. Substitution of a fluoro atom at C-4 on either the 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol or isomeric 17 alpha-IVE2 enhanced the affinity of the parent molecule for the ER. A-ring fluorination of all other analogues tested had no effect or depressed ER binding affinity. Varying incubation conditions showed substantial differences in ER binding kinetics between the 20E and 20Z isomers. Tissue distribution in immature female rats showed that the highest uterus uptake and uterus to blood/nontarget ratios in the IVE2 series were obtained with the 4-F-(17 alpha,20Z)IVE2 isomer. The combination of A-ring fluoro and 7 alpha- or 11 beta-substitution decreased uterus uptake but had little or no effect on uterus to blood/nontarget ratios. The highest uterus to blood ratios were observed for the 4-F-(17 alpha,20E)11 beta-OMe-IVE2 (75 at 6 h and 125 at 12 h pi) reflecting rapid blood clearance and in vivo stability, as confirmed by the low levels of thyroid radioactivity. The lack of correlation between ER binding affinities and uterus uptake, and/or uptake ratios, suggests that other factors, including nonspecific binding and metabolic processes, also are involved in the tissue localization process. Our data suggest that 4-F substitution onto (17 alpha,20Z)IVE2 and (17 alpha,20E)11 beta-OMe-IVE2 enhances the potential of these compounds to function as SPECT imaging agents of ER-rich tissues.

Aqua[1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2- phenylethylenediamine](sulfato)platinum-(II) complexes with variable substituents in the 2-phenyl ring. 1. Synthesis and antitumor and estrogenic properties.

Erythro- and threo-configurated aqua[1-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2- phenylethylenediamine](sulfato)platinum(II) complexes with variable substituents in the 2-phenyl ring (2-PtSO4 to 9-PtSO4: H, 4-F, 3-OH, 4-OH, 2,6-F2, 2,6-Cl2, 2-F/4-OH, 2-Cl/4-OH) were synthesized and tested for estrogenic and antitumor activities. The ligands were obtained by a three-step reaction. The stilbenes were reacted with a mixture of IN3 and NaN3 to yield the respective 1,2-diazido-1,2-diphenylethanes. The subsequent reduction with LiAlH4 led to the corresponding 1,2-diphenyl-ethylenediamines. The (sulfato)platinum(II) complexes were synthesized by reaction of Ag2SO4 with the diiodo complexes, which had been obtained by coordination of the diamines with K2PtI4. Two complexes, erythro-8-PtSO4 and erythro-9-PtSO4, possess antitumor and estrogenic effects and are therefore of interest for the therapy of breast cancer.

2-Phenylindenes: development of a new mammary tumor inhibiting antiestrogen by combination of estrogenic side effect lowering structural elements.

A new antiestrogenic, mammary tumor inhibiting 2-phenylindene was developed by the use of structural elements that we have shown to decrease estrogenic side effects but to increase antiestrogenic activity and retain the antitumor effect of certain stilbenes. The new 2-phenylindenes were synthesized from their corresponding methoxy-substituted 3,4-diphenylhexane-3,4-diols by cyclization with acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride and subsequent ether cleavage and acetylation. In this series, the 2-phenylindene derivative (compound 13) with a 5,6,3',4'-tetraacetoxy and a 1-methyl-3-ethyl substitution had the highest affinity for the estrogen receptor, the strongest antiestrogenic effect, and the lowest estrogenic effect. This compound was superior to the 2-phenylindenes with 5,3'-diacetoxy substitution or 1,1-dimethyl and 3-isopropyl moieties, respectively. Compound 13 exhibited a strong, significant inhibiting effect on the growth of the hormone-dependent MXT mouse mammary tumor without estrogenic side effects.

Effect of triphenylacrylonitrile derivatives on estradiol-receptor binding and on human breast cancer cell growth.

In a study of a series of 26 triphenylacrylonitrile derivatives (TPEs), we investigated the influence of several possibly interrelated factors on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines. (1) Chemical substituents: the test compounds were for the most part para-hydroxylated with increasingly bulky hydrophobic and/or basic side chains [isopropyloxy or (diethylamino)ethoxy] or standard reference compounds. (2) Relative binding affinities (RBAs): they competed diversely for [3H]estradiol (E2) binding to calf uterus cytosol and little, if at all, for binding to the [3H]tamoxifen-labeled antiestrogen binding site (AEBS) in lower speed supernatant. A multiparametric comparison of RBAs recorded for calf, rat, and mouse uterus cytosol estrogen receptor (ER) revealed a possible influence of species-specific receptor conformation and/or environment on binding. (3) Estrogen/antiestrogen potency: their stimulation and inhibition of the proliferation of the ER-positive human breast cancer cell line (MCF7) was measured. Compounds with only hydroxy substituents stimulated proliferation more markedly than methylated derivatives and had a maximum effect at 10(-11)-10(-6) M. Stimulation was related to the RBA for ER. Compounds with isopropyloxy or (diethylamino)ethoxy side chains only weakly stimulated MCF7 cell growth and more powerfully antagonized E2-promoted growth. The extent of inhibition depended upon the bulk of the side chain and could be reversed by 10(-7) M E2. Within the same concentration ranges, the test compounds were without effect on the BT20 ER-negative cell line. (4) Cytostatic and/or cytolytic activity: most compounds could arrest the proliferation of both MCF7 and BT20 cells at concentrations above 3 x 10(-6) M. This activity was thus independent of ER. Nevertheless, those compounds with a charged hydrophobic side chain, which were the most powerful antagonists of E2-promoted cell growth, were also the most cytotoxic. The overall results for all molecules on all parameters were submitted to a multivariate analysis (correspondence analysis) which revealed the progressive influence of increasing substitution by hydroxy and more bulky groups on the generation of antagonist activity and cytotoxicity.

Effects of oestradiol, the oestrous cycle and pregnancy on weight, metabolism and cytosol receptors in the uterus of the brush-tail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).

Uterine weight, RNA, DNA, protein content, in-vitro rate of protein synthesis, cytosol oestrogen and progesterone receptors were examined after administration of oestradiol to ovariectomized animals and on days 0, 5, 9 and 13 of the non-pregnant cycle and day 13 of pregnancy. In ovariectomized animals, oestradiol increased uterine weight, RNA:DNA and protein:DNA ratios and the concentration of cytosol receptors for oestradiol and progesterone. During the oestrous cycle there was a linear increase in uterine weight and a significant effect of the corpus luteum on the weight of the ipsilateral uterus. Changes in RNA, DNA and protein content between days 0 and 5 were not observed, but between days 5 and 13 RNA:DNA and protein:DNA ratios increased and the DNA:tissue weight ratio decreased. Thus, cellular hypertrophy and/or increased metabolic activity rather than hyperplasia occur over this period, which is coincident with the known rise in plasma progesterone levels. The rate of in-vitro protein synthesis (per unit tissue protein) during the non-pregnant cycle was greatest at day 0. These changes in uterine metabolic activity were associated with alterations in cytosol receptor concentrations for both steroids. Cytosol progesterone receptor concentrations were highest at day 0 after which they declined to a minimum at day 13. Cytosol oestradiol receptor concentrations, however, rose between days 0 and 5 and then declined. Although lutectomy on day 8 of the cycle does not interfere with the development of a histologically normal luteal phase, high peripheral progesterone levels which occur after day 8 in intact animals are associated with major increases in uterine metabolic activity. The unilateral effect of the corpus luteum on uterine weight was associated with a decrease in DNA:g tissue ratio and an increase in rate of in-vitro protein synthesis indicating hypertrophy and/or extracellular accumulation of secreted material as well as enhanced metabolic activity. There was a significant effect of pregnancy on uterine weight at day 13 and this was associated with an increase in DNA content of both uteri. There was a unilateral effect of pregnancy on RNA:DNA ratio and in-vitro rate of protein synthesis, but not on uterine weight.

Modulation by continuous oestrogen treatment and by progesterone of oestrogen receptors in the rabbit uterus.

The effect of continuous oestrogen treatment on uterine weight, and on cytoplasmic and nuclear oestrogen receptors was examined in rabbits. Modulation of the effects of oestrogen by progesterone was also studied. Uterine weight increased successively after exposure to oestrogen from 1 to 6 days. The concentration of both cytosolic and nuclear oestrogen receptors decreased in almost parallel fashion, however, irrespective of whether it was expressed per microgram protein or microgram DNA. Treatment with progesterone 5 days after oestrogenization caused no significant change in uterine weight at first. The oestrogen receptor concentration in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions decreased after 1 day but increased again after 3 days of progesterone treatment. The results indicated that there is a reduction in the actual concentration of oestrogen receptors in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions after continuous oestrogen treatment. The antagonism by progesterone of the effects produced by oestrogen appears to be transitory in nature, at least in the rabbit uterus.

Regulation of oxytocin, oestradiol and progesterone receptor concentrations in different uterine regions by oestradiol, progesterone and oxytocin in ovariectomized ewes.

The regulation of oxytocin, oestradiol and progesterone receptors in different uterine cell types was studied in ovariectomized ewes. Animals were pretreated with a progestogen sponge for 10 days followed by 2 days of high-dose oestradiol to simulate oestrus. They then received either low-dose oestradiol (Group E), low-dose oestradiol plus progesterone (Group P) or low-dose oestradiol, progesterone and oxytocin (via osmotic minipump; Group OT). Animals (three to six per time-point) were killed following ovariectomy (Group OVX), at oestrus (Group O) or following 8, 10, 12 or 14 days of E, P or OT treatment. In a final group, oxytocin was withdrawn on day 12 and ewes were killed on day 14 (Group OTW). Oxytocin receptor concentrations and localization in the endometrium and myometrium were measured by radioreceptor assay, in situ hybridization and autoradiography with the iodinated oxytocin receptor antagonist d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9)]-vasotocin. Oestradiol and progesterone receptors were localized by immunocytochemistry. Oxytocin receptors were present in the luminal epithelium and superficial glands of ovariectomized ewes. In Group O, endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations were high (1346 +/- 379 fmol [3H]oxytocin bound mg protein-1) and receptors were also located in the deep glands and caruncular stroma in a pattern resembling that found at natural oestrus. Continuing low-dose oestradiol was unable to sustain high endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations with values decreasing significantly to 140 +/- 20 fmol mg protein-1 (P < 0.01), localized to the luminal epithelium and caruncular stroma but not the glands. Progesterone treatment initially abolished all oxytocin receptors with none present on days 8 or 10. They reappeared in the luminal epithelium only between days 12 and 14 to give an overall concentration of 306 +/- 50 fmol mg protein-1. Oxytocin treatment caused a small increase in oxytocin receptor concentration in the luminal epithelium on days 8 and 10 (20 +/- 4 in Group P and 107 +/- 35 fmol mg protein-1 in Group OT, P < 0.01) but the rise on day 14 was not affected (267 +/- 82 in Group OT and 411 +/- 120 fmol mg protein-1 in Group OTW). In contrast, oestradiol treatment was able to sustain myometrial oxytocin receptors (635 +/- 277 fmol mg protein-1 in Group O and 255 +/- 36 in Group E) and there was no increase over time in Groups P, OT and OTW with values of 61 +/- 18, 88 +/- 53 and 114 +/- 76 fmol mg protein-1 respectively (combined values for days 8-14). Oestradiol receptor concentrations were high in all uterine regions in Group O. This pattern and concentration was maintained in Group E. In all progesterone-treated ewes, oestradiol receptor concentrations were lower in all regions at all time-points. The only time-related change occurred in the luminal epithelium in which oestradiol receptors were undetectable on day 8 but developed by day 10 of progesterone treatment. Progesterone receptors were present at moderate concentrations in the deep glands, caruncular stroma, deep stroma and myometrium in Group O. Oestradiol increased progesterone receptors in the luminal epithelium, superficial glands, deep stroma and myometrium. Progesterone caused the loss of its own receptor from the luminal epithelium and superficial glands and decreased its receptor concentration in the deep stroma and myometrium at all time-points. There was a time-related loss of progesterone receptors from the deep glands of progesterone-treated ewes between days 8 and 14. These results show differences in the regulation of receptors between uterine regions. In particular loss of the negative inhibition by progesterone on the oxytocin receptor by day 14 occurred only in the luminal epithelium, but is unlikely to be a direct effect of progesterone as no progesterone receptors were present on luminal epithelial cells between days 8 and 14.

Impaired conversion of rat uterine estradiol receptors during aging.

We have examined the effects of aging on the capacity of rat uterine estradiol receptors to be transformed from 8S to 4S and 5S species. Cytosol receptors from mature (6-month-old) rats or senescent (24-month-old) rats have been exposed to various KCl concentrations, ammonium sulfate precipitation and 25 degrees C heating. Estradiol receptors of both the mature and senescent age groups exist in an 8S form on linear 5-20% sucrose gradients in the absence of KCl and are converted to a 4S molecule in the presence of 0.4 M KCl. At intermediate salt concentrations a greater portion of mature receptors was converted to the 4S species. At 0.15 M KCl 62.3% +/- 2.8 of the mature receptors are converted to 4S versus 41% +/- 1.9 of the senescent receptors, and at 0.2 M KCl 79.6% +/- 3.2 of the mature receptors are converted to the 4S versus 58.2% +/- 2.1 of the senescent. Ammonium sulfate treatment in the presence of 0.3 M KCl converted about 80% of the receptors from the 4S to the 5S form, while only about half of the old receptors are affected. When ammonium sulfate precipitates were heated to 25 degrees C all to mature receptors were converted to the 5S species, while only two thirds of the senescent receptors were sedimented at 5S under the same conditions. Inclusion of 20 mM molybdate during preparation blocks conversion of about 15% of the senescent receptors from the 8S to the 4S form but does not affect the mature preparations. Similarly, molybdate treatment does not affect the conversion of the mature estradiol receptors to the 5S form but increases the percentage of senescent receptors remaining in the 4S form from 30 to 45%. Such qualitative differences in receptor conversion may be related to age associated deterioration of estradiol stimulated uterine responsiveness.

Environmental xenobiotics may disrupt normal endocrine function by interfering with the binding of physiological ligands to steroid receptors and binding proteins.

The disruption of the reproductive system of male and female animals in the wild has been attributed to environmental chemicals (xenobiotics). The effects seen mirror alterations one might anticipate if the steroid hormone-dependent processes that regulate these systems were impaired. To determine whether xenobiotics (present at a concentration of 100 microM) exert their action through steroid-mediated pathways, we examined their ability to inhibit the binding of [3H]physiological ligands (present at a concentration of 7 nM) to the androgen and estrogen receptors, rat androgen-binding protein (ABP), and human sex hormone-binding globulin (hSHBG). The gamma- and delta-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, congeners of dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT; p,p'-DDT; p,p'-DDE; o,p'-DDT), dieldrin, atrazine, and pentachlorophenol, caused a statistically significant inhibition of specific binding of [3H]5 alpha-DHT to the androgen receptor that ranged from 100% (p,p'-DDE) to 25% (dieldrin). Methoxychlor, o,p'-DDT1, pentachlorophenol, and nonylphenol significantly reduced [3H]17 beta-estradiol binding to the estrogen receptor by 10, 60, 20, and 75%, respectively. The binding of [3H]5 alpha-DHT to ABP was inhibited 70% by the delta-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane, but the gamma-isomer did not reduce binding significantly. Methoxychlor, p,p'-DDT, atrazine, and nonylphenol reduced [3H]5 alpha-DHT binding to ABP by approximately 40%. Nonylphenol reduced the binding of [3H]5 alpha-DHT to hSHBG by 70%. Hexachlorocyclohexane reduced [3H]5 alpha-DHT binding to hSHBG by 20%, but the stereospecific effects observed with ABP did not occur. o,p'-DDT and pentachlorophenol resulted in a statistically significant 20% inhibition of [3H]5 alpha-DHT binding to hSHBG. Some xenobiotics resulted in dissociation of [3H]ligands from their binding proteins that was statistically identical to that caused by the unlabeled natural ligand, whereas others resulted in slower or more rapid dissociation rates.

Ester derivatives of the mammary-tumor-inhibiting antiestrogen 2,3-bis(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutane.

The synthesis of the bisacetate (8), the bisdichloroacetate (9), the biscarbamate (10) and the bisphosphate (11) of the "partial" antiestrogen 2,3-bis(2-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutane (7) is described. In the case of 8-10 the introduction of ester functions slightly reduces the estrogen receptor affinity of 7. However, it was strongly diminished in 11. Compared with 7 the estrogenic potency of 8-11 is moderately increased. Compounds 8-11 cause a strong inhibition of the hormone-dependent MXT M3.2 mouse mammary tumor. Only 9 containing cytotoxic dichloroacetate groups shows a significantly better antitumor effect than 7.