Reproductive phenotypes in the estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mouse.

The generation and initial characterizations of the ER alpha KO and has proved exciting, however, it is worth noting that this model is relatively new to the field. These mice will undoubtedly prove invaluable to future studies of steroid hormones in normal development and function. The ER alpha KO mouse has been and continues to be utilized to further study the role of estrogen action in the cardiovascular system. bone physiology, behavior, the immune system, neurophysiology, and adipogenesis. Furthermore, studies of the documented "non-genomic" effects of estradiol and progesterone in the brain as well as ligand-independent actions involving cross-talk with other signaling systems will be advanced with further investigations using the ER alpha KO mouse. And finally, the ER alpha KO in combination with the recently developed ER beta KO mouse will prove invaluable in distinguishing the different roles that may exist between the two receptors in the estrogen signaling system.