Estrogen Regulation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid

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Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that 17.beta.-estradiol (E2) causes a 3-fold increase in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors in uterine membranes. We now report that the increase in uterine EGF receptor levels is due to an increase in the steady-state levels of EGF receptor mRNA. After a single E2 injection, EGF receptor mRNA levels, as determined by RNA blots, increase 3- to 4-fold between 1 and 3 h, remain elevated at 6 h, and decline between 12 and 18 h. The effect is specific for E2 since the nonestrogenic hormones progesterone, dexamethasone, 5.alpha.-dihydrotestosterone, and the inactive stereoisomer of E2, 17.alpha.-estradiol, are without effect. E2-Mediated increases in EGF receptor mRNA levels are blocked by actinomycin D but no by puromycin. Taken together, these results indicate tht E2 regulates the level of EGF receptor by increasing the steady-state concentration of EGF receptor mRNA in viv.

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