Abstract

Abstract The specific interaction of glucocorticoids with fetal and adult rabbit tissues was studied in vitro. Specific cytoplasmic binding sites for [3H]dexamethasone were demonstrated in liver, thymus, kidney, lung, muscle, heart, small intestine, skin, brain, and placenta of the rabbit fetus as well as in liver, thymus, spleen, kidney, small intestine, and lung of the adult rabbit. In the rabbit fetus at 28 to 30 days of gestation the concentration of specific binding sites for [3H]dexamethasone was higher (1.62 to 1.83 pmoles per mg of DNA) in placenta, kidney, and lung, somewhat lower (0.69 to 1.25 pmoles per mg of DNA) in skin, muscle, small intestine, and heart, and much lower (0.35 to 0.49 pmole per mg of DNA) in liver, thymus, and brain. Sucrose density gradient analysis of tissue extracts showed the presence of one or two [3H]dexamethasone-macromolecular complexes sedimenting at 7 to 8 S and 4 S. The 7 to 8 S complex was present in all tissues, but the 4 S complex was detected only in liver, kidney, small intestine, and spleen. These results demonstrate the presence of similar [3H]-dexamethasone-binding components (receptors) in a variety of fetal and adult rabbit tissues. It is suggested that in addition to the liver and thymus, which are usually regarded as the target tissues for glucocorticoids, several other rabbit tissues may also be targets for these hormones.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

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.