Expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta during mouse embryogenesis

In adult mammals numerous target tissues and organs for estrogens exist. Li ttle is known about possible target organs during embryogenesis other than the reproductive tract and the gonads. This is the first report on the expr ession of estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) in comparison with ER alpha mRNA during mouse embryogenesis. We found expression of estrogen receptor mRNA in the reproductive tract, but also in the atrial wall, brain, kidney, uret hra, bladder neck, mammary gland primordium, midgut, cartilage primordia an d perichondria. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.