Estradiol and testosterone binding in normal and mutant mouse cerebellum: biochemical and cellular specificity

Abstract

Estradiol and testosterone binding macromolecules are demonstrated in normal mouse cerebellum. Identity of the estradiol binder as the 'receptor' is provided by its binding to DNA-cellulose, which does not occur for other estradiol binding proteins. The androgen binder is identified as 'receptor' by its specific deficiency (85% reduced) in the androgen-insensitive mutant mouse, testicular feminization (Tfm). The relative amounts of these two components are reversed in cerebellum compared to hypothalamus-preoptic area. Neurological mouse mutants, which lack specified neurons, are examined to test for the cells in which these hormone binding proteins are located. Experiments with Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd), weaver (wv) and staggerer (sg), suggest that the majority of these receptors are present in granule cells.