Detection of Oestrogen receptors (ER) α and β in conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and tarsal plates

Abstract

Purpose. Lack of Oestrogen and androgen may be of importance in the pathogenesis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The signal of Oestrogens is transmitted via specific Oestrogen receptors (ER). It was the purpose of this study to evaluate the expression of ERα and ERβ in tear-producing tissues. Methods. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR, ERα+β) and immunohistochemical evaluation (ERα only) were performed for ER detection and localization in tissue samples of bulbar conjunctiva (20 samples of 20 patients undergoing cataract surgery), tarsal plates (14 samples of 12 patients undergoing eye lid surgery), and lacrimal glands (20 samples of 13 cornea donors). Results. Messenger RNA ERα was identified via RT-PCR in all tissue samples with variable expression, ERβ predominantly in lacrimal gland tissue. Immunohistochemical staining for ERα was negative in most cases, probably due to the thermolability of ERs and very small sample sizes. Conclusions. The detection of ERα and ERβ mRNA expression supports the concept of a receptor-based effect of Oestrogen in these tissues contributing to KCS. This may encourage therapeutical efforts including topical Oestrogen administration. © 2004 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.