Endocrinology
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Estrogen and glucocorticoids interact in multiple aspects of endocrine regulation by exerting opposing influences on the expression of selective genes. In rats, estrogen receptor (ER)-beta is the predominant form of ER present in the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, suggesting its involvement in neuroendocrine regulation. To date, the hormonal regulatory profile of the ERbeta gene in the rat central nervous system has not been closely elucidated. ⋯ In contrast, DEX did not change ERbeta mRNA levels. These results indicate that glucocorticoids and estrogen exert opposing regulatory influences on the ERbeta gene expression. This may represent a mechanism by which these steroids can alter the cellular sensitivity of ERbeta-expressing neurons to subsequent steroidal activation.