Abstract
On the basis of our previous observation that estrogen stimulates calcitonin secretion by the ultimobranchial gland in the stingray,Dasyatis akajei,experiments were conducted to examine the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) and its mRNA in the gland, employing exchange assay and Northern blot analysis, respectively. The optimal incubation conditions of the exchange assay for cytosolic ER were found to be 25° for 2 hr. Scatchard analysis of cytosolic ER revealed two components with dissociation constants (Kd) of 0.090 ± 0.015 and 17.780 ± 1.910 nMand with a maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) of 62.2 ± 7.9 and 2290 ± 180 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Furthermore, Sephadex G-100 filtration of the cytosol and immunoblot analysis using antiserum against a recombinant rat ER confirmed the presence of two specific binding components for estrogen (41 and 57 kDa). Total RNA extracted from the ultimobranchial gland was subjected to Northern blot analysis using a rat ER cDNA as a probe. Two positive signals were detected at 2.5 and 2.0 kb. Thus, the presence of ER was confirmed for the first time in nonmammalian calcitonin-secreting cells.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.