Doke M, Matsuwaki T, Yamanouchi K, Nishihara M. Lack of estrogen receptor α in astrocytes of progranulin-deficient mice.
J Reprod Dev 2016;
62:547-551. [PMID:
27440553 PMCID:
PMC5177971 DOI:
10.1262/jrd.2016-067]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN) is a multifunctional growth factor with functions in neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, and neural progenitor cell proliferation. These
functions largely overlap with the actions of estrogen in the brain. Indeed, we have previously shown that PGRN mediates the functions of estrogen, such as
masculinizing the rodent brain and promoting adult neurogenesis. To evaluate the underlying mechanism of PGRN in mediating the actions of estrogen, the
localization of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the brains of wild-type (WT) and PGRN-deficient (KO) mice was investigated. First, double-labeling
immunofluorescence was performed for ERα with neuronal nuclei (NeuN), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein
(GFAP), as markers for neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, respectively, in female mice in diestrous and estrous stages. ERα-immunoreactive (IR) cells were
widespread and co-localized with NeuN in brain sections analyzed (bregma –1.06 to –3.16 mm) of both WT and KO mice. In contrast, expression of ERα was not
observed in Iba1-IR cells from both genotypes. Interestingly, although ERα was co-localized with GFAP in WT mice, virtually no ERα expression was discernible in
GFAP-IR cells in KO mice. Next, the brains of ovariectomized adult female, adult male, and immature female mice were subjected to immunostaining for ERα and
GFAP. Again, co-localization of ERα with GFAP was observed in WT mice, whereas this co-localization was not detected in KO mice. These results suggest that PGRN
plays a crucial role in the expression of ERα in astrocytes regardless of the estrous cycle stage, sex, and maturity.
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