Role of Estrogen Receptor Expression in Estrogen (E-2)-Induced Modulation of Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Responses

Author

Bertille Gaigbe-Togbe

Degree Type

Honors Capstone Project

Date of Submission

Spring 5-1-2010

Capstone Advisor

Jerrie Gavalchin, PhD

Honors Reader

Surabhi Raina, PhD

Capstone Major

Biology

Capstone College

Arts and Science

Audio/Visual Component

no

Capstone Prize Winner

no

Won Capstone Funding

yes

Honors Categories

Sciences and Engineering

Subject Categories

Biology

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that repeated administration of 17β-estradiol (E-2) at a dose of 1mg/kg to both (SWR x NZB)F₁ (SNF₁) mice and (DBA x BALB/c)F1(DBF₁) mice resulted in significantly decreased survival and increased appearance of lupus nephritis pathology. However, the ways in which estrogen modulates immune responses has yet to be fully understood, specifically in regard to modulations in T_H1 and T_H2 cytokine profile. Various studies have reported the presence of two estrogen receptors (ER), a and b, which have been found to be constitutively expressed in many immune cells. In the present project, ER chimeric alpha knockout (αERKO), beta knockout (βERKO) and double knockout (αβERKO) as well as wild type(WT) mice were injected monthly with β-estradiol 17-valerate (E-2) at 1mg/kg. Control mice of each type received oil vehicle only. Results showed that T_H1 cytokine production by cells from WT mice was suppressed by E-2 administration, although IFN-γ production was increased in cells from βERKO mice treated with estrogen compared to those treated with oil vehicle. T_H2 cytokine production was increased in cells from WT mice treated with estrogen compared to controls. Increases in the production of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies were also observed in cells from αERKO mice. These observations suggest a role for differences in ER-α and ER-β expression in E-2 induced modulation of immune responses, including autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Recommended Citation

Gaigbe-Togbe, Bertille, "Role of Estrogen Receptor Expression in Estrogen (E-2)-Induced Modulation of Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Responses" (2010). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 358.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/358

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