Expression of estrogen receptor-alpha and beta mRNA in the developing and adult mouse striatum

Estrogen not only modulates nigrostriatal function but also developmental p rocesses in the striatum. Recently, we have demonstrated the presence of th e estrogen-synthesizing enzyme aromatase in the developing mouse striatum. This study is concerned with the expression of estrogen receptor-alpha/beta (ER) mRNA in the developing and adult mouse striatum by semiquantitative r everse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression of both ER subty pes occurred already prenatally and further increased until birth. Early po stnatally, ER-alpha/beta levels remained high but decreased to lower levels in adults. No sex difference in ER expression was observed. These data tog ether with our previous findings demonstrate the simultaneous expression of both ER subtypes and aromatase in the mouse striatum. It is concluded that estrogen signalling through both nuclear receptors plays a potential role for striatal differentiation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.