Expression of sex steroid hormone receptors in human cornea

Purpose. Previously we reported the occurrence of estrogen receptor alpha ( ER alpha), estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) and androgen receptor (AR) in m ouse corneas. The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence of various sex steroid hormone receptors, including ER alpha, progesterone receptor (PR) and AR, in human corneas. Methods. We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) t o look for sex hormone receptor mRNAs (ER alpha, PR and AR) in human cornea l epithelial cells obtained at autopsy. Next, using an immunocytochemical t echnique, we localized these receptors in donor human corneas. Results. mRNAs encoding all receptors tested for were found in corneal epit helial cells obtained from male and female donor eyes. Immunocytochemical e xamination revealed that the receptors were located in the nuclei of cornea l epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. Conclusions. Since receptors for both male and female sex hormones are pres ent in human corneas of both genders, we postulate that the receptors may i nfluence the biological functions of corneal cells through direct interacti on with specific hormones.