ESTRADIOL REGULATES N-CADHERIN MESSENGER-RNA LEVELS IN THE MOUSE OVARY

N-cadherin (N-cad) is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule which is present in the granulosa cells of the mouse ovarian follicle. This cell adhesion molecule has been implicated as a key modulator of foll icular development. The regulators of N-cad mRNA levels in the ovary h ave not been identified. We have examined the ability of steroids to i nfluence ovarian N-cad mRNA levels in vivo. Immature mice were injecte d with either progesterone, testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol, or 17 alp ha-estradiol. Only 17 beta-estradiol caused a ra pid and significant i ncrease in the ovarian N-cad mRNA levels. We speculate that this stero id is a major regulator of N-cad-mediated granulosa cell interactions in vivo. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.