Identification of androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAs in the eye

Purpose: Previous research has demonstrated that sex steroids exert a signi ficant influence on the structure and function of numerous ocular tissues, To begin to explore the underlying basis of this hormone action, we examine d whether various anterior and posterior tissues of the eye contain androge n, estrogen and progesterone receptor mRNAs, Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from adult male and female rats, rabb its and humans, processed for the isolation of total RNA and analyzed by RT -PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization, All PCR amplifications included positive and negative controls. Results: Our findings showed that androgen, estrogen and/or progesterone re ceptor mRNAs are present in the lacrimal gland, lacrimal gland acinar epith elial cells, meibomian gland, lid, palpebral and bulbar conjunctivae, corne a, iris/ciliary body, lens, retina/uvea, retina/choroid and retinal pigment epithelial cells of rats rabbits or humans. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that sex steroid receptor mRNAs exist in a variety of ocular tissues and suggest that these sites may represent target organs for androgens estrogens and/or progestins.