Specific Estrogen Receptors in Human Gingiva*

Abstract

The cytoplasm of normal human male and female gingiva contains a receptor capable of specifically binding 17 beta-estradiol and moxestrol (R-2858) with high affinity (Kd = approximately 3.4 X 10(-10) M) and low capacity (4.5 fmol/mg protein). The binding is sensitive to heat (destroyed by warming to 37 C for 60 min), proteolytic enzymes (pronase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin), and exhibits a pattern of competition similar to that obtained with estrogen receptors from other target tissues. Nuclear uptake of [3H]estradiol was demonstrated by using a dry autoradiographic technique. Specific nuclear localization of [3H]estradiol was found predominantly in basal and spinous layers of gingival epithelium, stromal connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), and endothelial cells and pericytes of small blood vessels in the lamina propria. There was no difference between the Kd values in normal and diseased tissue or between the Kd values or number of binding sites and the age or sex of the patient. However, there was a difference between the amount of estrogen binding sites per mg protein in normal tissue compared to gingiva with dilantin hyperplasia. These results provide the first direct evidence that human gingiva may function as a target organ for estrogens.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in the peripheral giant cell granulomas of the oral cavity.

“…Hormonally sensitive lesions may express receptors for related hormones in their cells and an increased density of these may suggest strong hormonal influence (4)(5)(6). Receptors are also found in normal tissues (4, 6, 7) and the presence of steroid receptors in the oral cavity including gingiva has been shown previously (6)(7)(8).…”

“…Estrogen may stimulate the proliferation and maturation of gingival connective tissue and epithelium (7). It also provokes cancellous bone formation and is important for bone remodeling (10).…”

Percepciones, conocimientos y actitudes de profesionales de la salud latinoamericanos acerca de la salud bucodental de gestantes

“…En el tejido gingival existen receptores para estrógenos y progesterona, gracias a los cuales estas hormonas ejercen diversos efectos sobre ellos, ya sea en el epitelio, el conjuntivo o los vasos sanguíneos (6). La progesterona produce una dilatación de los capilares gingivales, que es la causa de la habitual clínica de la gingivitis del embarazo; también es responsable del aumento del exudado gingival y la permeabilidad vascular (7).…”

A influência de contraceptivos orais combinados na condição periodontal

“…Além destas ações, o estrógeno e a progesterona exercem efeito direto sobre o periodonto, visto que a presença de receptores para os mesmos na gengiva foi demonstrada por Vittek et al (Vittek, Hernandez et al, 1982;Vittek, Munnangi et al, 1982), sugerindo que este tecido é órgão-alvo para os mesmos. Além disso, parecem existir receptores para esses hormônios também em fibroblastos periostais, da lâmina própria gengival e do ligamento periodontal e em osteoblastos (Eriksen, Colvard et al, 1988;Komm, Terpening et al, 1988).…”

“…Portanto, estudos (Wenk, Hernandez et al, 1981;Vittek, Gordon et al, 1982;Vittek, Hernandez et al, 1982;Vittek, Munnangi et al, 1982;Parkar, Newman et al, 1996) já foram desenvolvidos com o intuito de demonstrar a presença destes receptores nos tecidos periodontais e assim confirmar ou não a influência destes hormônios nos tecidos em questão.…”