Expression and cellular localization of the classical progesterone receptor in healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affected spinal cord

• DOI: 10.1111/ene.12291
• Publication Date: 2013-11-07T07:26:50Z
• Authors: G. M. Gargiulo‐Mo...; D. Campos‐Melo; C. A. Droppelmann; B. A. Keller; C. Leystra‐Lantz; A. F. De Nicola; M. C. Gonzalez De...; K. Volkening; M. J. Strong
• Keywords: Colocalization; Progesterone receptor; Lumbar Spinal Cord; Immunofluorescence

Background and purpose Previous studies have suggested that elevated progesterone levels are associated with a slower disease course in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS ). Given the effects of mediated part by classical receptor PR ), expression cellular localization A B isoforms ‐A ‐B, respectively) control (neuropathologically normal) ‐affected spinal cord SC ) were examined. Methods Semi‐quantitative RT ‐ PCR , immunohistochemistry immunofluorescence analyses cervical lumbar post‐mortem patients n = 19) subjects 10) performed. Primers antibodies used allowed detection both ‐B together ‐A+B) or isoform alone. Results Lumbar ‐A+B mRNA significantly higher than controls. In controls, immunoreactivity IR was occasionally detected motor neurons. contrast, prominent axonal processes vessels. This more evident nerve roots large arteries compared Colocalization markers neurons, vascular endothelium also observed. Conclusions Evidence expressed human is provided, some regional variation between The suggesting potential role degenerative process.