Search

By means of monoclonal antibodies against the rat liver glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the human estrogen receptor (ER), in combination with an immunocytochemical analysis, it has been possible to map out GR and ER immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the rat central nervous system and GR IR glial cells in the white matter. The GR IR is located in the cytoplasm and especially in the nucleus while the ER IR is only demonstrated in the nuclei of the neurons. Upon adrenalectomy the GR IR appears to be present exclusively in the cytoplasm, while after castration the ER IR is still exclusively present in the nuclei. Upon corticosterone treatment of the adrenalectomized rat the GR IR is again predominantly found in the nuclei of the neurons. These results indicate that the occupied GR and the unoccupied and occupied ER are located in the nuclei and the unoccupied GR in the cytoplasm. Evidence has been presented that large numbers of monoamine and peptide nerve cell bodies contain GR IR. Furthermore, neuronal GR IR is found in neuronal populations all over the central nervous system, especially in the cerebral cortex, the thalamus and the hypothalamus, indicating a major role of GR in regulating the metabolic and synaptic functions of the brain. The ER IR is instead limited to certain neuronal populations, mainly those of the preoptic area, the bed nucleus of the striae terminalis and the arcuate nucleus, suggesting a specific role in control of LHRH secretion and reproductive behaviour.

By means of indirect immunoperoxidase procedures using the biotin- avidin method in combination with monoclonal antibodies to the human estrogen receptor it has been possible to map out distinct populations of nerve cells possessing nuclear estrogen immunoreactivity in rat brain. High densities of strongly estrogen immunoreactive nerve cells were especially observed in the medial preoptic area and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis but also in the magnocellular part of the arcuate nucleus, the ventral premammillary nuclei and in the area between the medial and lateral hypothalamus including the lateral component of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. Similar results were obtained in the male and female adult brain. Following castration of the male and female adult rat, the nuclear estrogen immunoreactivity did not change its location but the degree of immunoreactivity was increased. Administration of 50 ?g/kg of estrogen benzoate in the castrated animals induced a marked disappearence of the estrogen immunoreactivity in the nerve cells in all regions analyzed. The results give further evidence for the existence of a selective population of estrogen receptor containing neurons in the female and male brain of adult animals and that the estrogen free receptor is associated with the nucleus. Upon activation the nuclear estrogen receptors appear to loose this immunoreactivity probably due to a change in the conformation of the receptor protein.

Conclusions: No valid conclusions can be drawn from a short study of six seminarians.The study seems to indicate the need for a more thorough screening of candidates.The mode of reaction to sexual drives is apparently an important factor in the pursuit of a celibate career.