The autoradiographic demonstration of estrogen binding in normal human cervix and vagina during the menstrual cycle, pregnacy, and the menopause

Abstract

Using the technique of in vitro steroid autoradiography, the localization and modulation of nuclear estrogen binding sites has been studied in normal human cervix and vagina during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the menopause. Marked differences occur in nuclear estrogen binding between these two organs. Nuclear estrogen binding varies throughout the menstrual cycle in the vaginal epithelium, whereas vaginal stromal cells consistently exhibit nuclear estrogen binding throughout the cycle. In contrast, the cervical squamous and columnar epithelia show much less cyclic variability in nuclear estrogen binding sites. As in the vagina, the cervical stroma consistently binds estrogen. High levels of nuclear estrogen binding sites are found in the vagina of the postmenopausal patient, and lower levels of binding occur postpartum. The implications of these localizations, with special reference to the role of the cervical and vaginal stroma, are discussed.

Variations of mitotic index in normal and dysplastic squamous epithelium of the uterine cervix as a function of endometrial maturation

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Compared to the endometrium and vaginal epithelium, where marked variations in the estrogen receptor (ER) content occur during the menstrual cycle, much less cyclic variation of ER expression occurs in the cervical lining. [20][21][22] Nonetheless, it has long been recognized that cervical squamous epithelial cells contain sex-steroid receptors and hence, their proliferation and differentiation are influenced, to some extent, by the menstrual cycle and/ or sex-steroid hormonal levels. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Most studies have localized ERs and progesterone receptors (PRs), at minimum, to the basal and parabasal cell layers of the normal ectocervix.…”

“…[20][21][22] Nonetheless, it has long been recognized that cervical squamous epithelial cells contain sex-steroid receptors and hence, their proliferation and differentiation are influenced, to some extent, by the menstrual cycle and/ or sex-steroid hormonal levels. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Most studies have localized ERs and progesterone receptors (PRs), at minimum, to the basal and parabasal cell layers of the normal ectocervix. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Data on a possible correlation between the localization and the extent of ERs and the menstrual cycle phase are less homogeneous.…”

“…The somewhat conflicting findings of the aforementioned studies notwithstanding, it can be stated that at minimum, the cervical epithelium appears to be under some degree of hormonal influence. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] In the present retrospective analysis, we sought to explore the potential inter-relationships of these two factors-hormonal effects on the ectocervical epithelium and intraepithelial proliferative activity. Hormonal factors that significantly affect the mitotic index of normal epithelium may also theoretically influence the mitotic index of dysplastic epithelium.…”

“…[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Most studies have localized ERs and progesterone receptors (PRs), at minimum, to the basal and parabasal cell layers of the normal ectocervix. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Data on a possible correlation between the localization and the extent of ERs and the menstrual cycle phase are less homogeneous. Kanai et al 23 and Ciocca et al 22 both reported that the expression and localization of steroid hormone receptors did not vary significantly with the phase of the menstrual cycle.…”

Oestrogen receptor transcripts associated with cervical human papillomavirus infection

“…In reviewing oestrogen receptor physiology, the greatest concentrations of oestrogen receptors has been found in the region of the cervix containing columnar epithelium, with less activity noted in the squamous epithelium. [19][20][21][22] Within the squamous epithelium oestrogen receptors seems to have its strongest concentration in the basal layers and diminishes in the upper layers. Oestrogen is clearly higher in perimenarchal females and diminishes with time, but the exact role of circulating oestrogen on oestrogen receptors is unknown.…”