Estrogen and phytoestrogen regulate the mRNA expression of adrenomedullin and adrenomedullin receptor components in the rat uterus

K Ikeda, Y Arao, H Otsuka, A Kikuchi… - Molecular and cellular …, 2004 - Elsevier
K Ikeda, Y Arao, H Otsuka, A Kikuchi, F Kayama
Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 2004Elsevier
The serum estrogen surge in the uterus triggers precisely-timed physiological and
biochemical responses required establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Previous reports
have shown that consumption of phytoestrogen-containing plants may disrupt the precise
control of pregnancy. To evaluate the effects of phytoestrogens in the uterus, we screened
for estradiol (E2)-inducible genes in immature rat uteri. We identified the gene for receptor-
activity-modifying protein 2 (Ramp2), known to be a component of the adrenomedullin …
The serum estrogen surge in the uterus triggers precisely-timed physiological and biochemical responses required establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Previous reports have shown that consumption of phytoestrogen-containing plants may disrupt the precise control of pregnancy. To evaluate the effects of phytoestrogens in the uterus, we screened for estradiol (E2)-inducible genes in immature rat uteri. We identified the gene for receptor-activity-modifying protein 2 (Ramp2), known to be a component of the adrenomedullin (ADM) receptor, as responsive to both E2 and the phytoestrogen coumestrol (Cou). We further examined the expression of ADM and ADM signaling components Ramp2, Ramp3, and CRLR in the immature rat uterus and found that both E2 and Cou regulated these genes expression. In addition, treatment with ADM increased uterine weight and edema similar to that observed after Cou treatment. Our findings indicated that the phytoestrogen caused the abnormal induction of vasoactive factors in the uterus.
Elsevier