Distribution of Aromatase-Immunoreactive Cells in the Mouse Forebrain

[en] The distribution of aromatase-immunoreactive cells was studied by immunocytochemistry in the mouse forebrain using a purified polyclonal antibody raised against human placental aromatase. Labeled perikarya were found in the dorso-lateral parts of the medial and tuberal hypothalamus. Positive cells filled an area extending between the subincertal nucleus in the dorsal part, the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus in the ventral part, and the internal capsule and the magnocellular nucleus of the lateral hypothalamus in the lateral part. The same distribution was seen in the two strains of mice that were studied (Jackson and Swiss), and the number of immunoreactive perikarya did not seem to be affected by castration or testosterone treatment. No immunoreactivity could be detected in the medial regions of the preoptic area and hypothalamus; these were expected to contain the enzyme based on assays of aromatase activity performed in rats and on indirect autoradiographic evidence in mice. Our data raise questions concerning the distribution of aromatase in the brain and the mode of action of the centrally produced estrogens.

Disciplines :

Endocrinology, metabolism & nutrition
Zoology
Neurosciences & behavior

Author, co-author :

Balthazart, Jacques ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Biologie de la différenciation sexuelle du cerveau

Foidart, Agnès ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Services généraux (Faculté de médecine) > Service administratif de la Faculté (Médecine)

Surlemont, C.

Harada, N.

Language :

English

Title :

Distribution of Aromatase-Immunoreactive Cells in the Mouse Forebrain

Publication date :

January 1991

Journal title :

Cell and Tissue Research

ISSN :

0302-766X

eISSN :

1432-0878

Publisher :

Springer, Germany

Volume :

263

Issue :

Pages :

71-9

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 19 November 2009

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