Expressions Of Estrogen Receptors And Progesterone Receptor In Hypothalamus Of Animals With Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS(Premenstrual Syndrome) is a term applied to a group of physical and emotional symptoms which occur in women during a specific period of time before the onset of the monthly menstrual period, with a symptom-free period of time following the monthly menses. The symptoms vary for each person. In general, PMS is described as a feeling that makes coping difficult. It is most common in women ages 20 to 40. Studies indicate that 20-40% of all women suffer some degree of PMS that alters their lifestyle. The causes of PMS are not yet known or fully understood. Explanations include progesterone deficiency, vitamin deficiency, prolactin excess, stress, and other psychosomatic causes. It is believed to be a neuroendocrine disorder occurring from altered hormonal balance. One current theory is that of an imbalance of the two primary female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.This treatise mainly focuses on the abnormal expressions of estrogen receptor alpha and beta and progesterone receptor (ERa, ERβ and PGR). Sequence sections of ER and PGR genes were obtained through RT-PCR from total RNA of macaque hypothalamus. The PCR products were ligated to T-vectors and transformed into E.coli competent cells. DIG-labeled antisense cRNA probes of ERa, ERβ and PGR genes were synthesized by in vitro transcription and then were used in ISH to investigate the different expression of ERa mRNA, ERβ mRNA and PGR mRNA between PMS macaque hypothalamus and normal controls. Also ERβ protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we quantified the absorbance values of positive signals through Simple PCI program.Rat experiments were carried out similar to the processes above. A semi-quantitive RT-PCR was performed for further investigation of ERa mRNA and ERβ mRNA levels in PMS and normal control groups. Results were quantified using Simple PCI program.Down-regulating of ERa mRNA and ERβ mRNA and ERβ protein was showed both in PMS macaques and rats contrasted to normal groups while PGR mRNA level had up-regulation. The high estrogen level and low Progesteron level in PMS animals could alleviate the functional abnormity of other hormones and neurotransmitters. We conclude that upregulation of ERs and downergulation of PGR may weak the affirmative roles of estrogen and progesterone changes.