DNA Methylation and Demethylation Underlie the Sex Difference in Estrogen Receptor Alpha in the Arcuate Nucleus.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Neurons expressing estrogen receptor (ER) ɑ in the arcuate (ARC) and ventromedial (VMH) nuclei of the hypothalamus sex-specifically control energy homeostasis, sexual behavior, and bone density. Females have more ERɑ neurons in the VMH and ARC than males, and the sex difference in the VMH is eliminated by neonatal treatment with testosterone or a DNA methylation inhibitor.

Objective

Here, we tested the roles of testosterone and DNA methylation/demethylation in development of ERɑ in the ARC.

Methods

ERɑ was examined at birth and weaning in mice that received vehicle or testosterone subcutaneously, and vehicle or DNA methyltransferase inhibitor intracerebroventricularly, as neonates. To examine effects of DNA demethylation on the ERɑ cell number in the ARC,

SUBMITTER: Cortes LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8934748 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature