Localization of androgen receptor expression in human bone marrow

Androgens have been shown to modulate the haematopoietic and immune systems and have been used clinically for stimulating haematopoiesis in bone marro w failure conditions. To identify the bone marrow cell types as potential t argets of androgens, an androgen receptor (AR)-specific antibody was used t o localize the AR in normal human bone marrow biopsies. The results show th at AR was ubiquitously expressed in the bone marrow of both males and femal es. Furthermore, the AR expression pattern did not change with age. Stromal cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, myeloblasts, myelocytes, neutrophil s, and megakaryocytes expressed AR. In contrast, AR was not detected in the lymphoid and erythroid cells, or in eosinophils, These results indicate th at androgens may exert direct modulating effects on a wide spectrum of bone marrow cell types via AR-mediated responses. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.