Abstract

PIP: The literature concerning the mechanism of estrogen action is extensively reviewed and a concept of the mechanism is proposed. 2 recurrent observations in the studies in this area are: 1) cells responsive to estrogen contain a recepter protein (or recepter aggregate) that interacts specifically with structural features of the e strogen molecule forming a high affinity, noncovalent complex and 2) many of the hormonal responses are dependent on hormonal acceleration of the genetic expression mechanisms in the sensitive cells. A theory is presented in which estrogen is visualized as a modulator in the class expression of multiple genes through the control of the availability or state of proteins essential in the nuclear scene for expression of these genes. The conceptual framework provides for both the variation in estr ogenic responses in various target organs. Following the main body of the article Mueller discusses the concept and related considerations with serveral other researchers.