Expression and localization of ILª²2 in anterior pituitary of rat and effects of ovariectomy on its expression

    CHEN Jianª²Kang, WANG Gaoª²Feng, LU Chunª²Rong, QU Shuanª²Min, ZHONG Yanª²Qing, LIU Liª²Bing, ZHU Yunª²Long, YU Jun

    1Experiment Teaching Center, 2Department of Physiology, 3Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi¡¯an 710033, China, 4Drug Administraiton, Weinan 714000, China

    ¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To investigate whether there is ILª²2 expression in the anterior pituitary and if any, to localize its position and to explore the effects of ovariectomy on its expression. METHODS: Immunohistochemical ABC method and image analysis were applied. RESULTS: ILª²2 immunoreactive substances were only restricted in the anterior lobe, and not in the intermediate or posterior lobe. The immunostaining of ILª²2 in the anterior pituitary was enhanced following ovariectomy, but it could be restored to the normal if supplemented with benzoate estradiol. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first time to report that there are ILª²2 immunoreactive substances localized in the anterior pituitary of rats, and decrease of estrogen level in the body can markedly upregulate the expression. ......