Activation of the annexin A1 pathway underlies the protective effects exerted by estrogen in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The anti-inflammatory properties of the female sex hormone estrogen have been linked to a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we addressed whether estrogen could activate vasculoprotective mechanisms via annexin A1 (AnxA1) mobilization in human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs).

Methods and results

Using whole-blood flow cytometry, we demonstrated that premenopausal women expressed higher levels of surface AnxA1 on circulating PMNs compared with males. This correlated with high plasma estrogen during the menstrual cycle. The addition of estrogen in vitro to male PMNs induced rapid mobilization of AnxA1, optimal at 5 ng/mL and a 30-minute incubation period; this effect was abolished in the presence of the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI1

SUBMITTER: Nadkarni S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3357483 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature