Immunocytochemical localization of oestrogen receptors in perichondrium ofantlers in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Remodelling of cancellous bone of antlers to compact bone can be stimulated by administration of oestrogens and previous work has demonstrated the pre sence of specific oestrogen binding in this tissue. In this study the prese nce of oestrogen receptors (ER) in antler tissue from red deer males was ex amined by immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal mouse anti-human ER serum. Strong positive staining was detected in the tip regions of immature antle rs and was confined primarily to the cells forming a fibrous layer of the p erichondrium. This finding indicates that the effects of oestrogens on remo delling of cancellous bone of the antler may be mediated indirectly by the surrounding connective tissue layers.