Mapping of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the inner ear of mouse and rat.

The sex hormone estrogen is classically known to influence growth, differentiation and function of peripheral tissues of both the female and male reproductive tract, mediated through the estrogen receptors alpha and beta. The influence of estrogens on the ear and hearing is yet not fully investigated, though some studies have suggested that estrogens may influence hearing functions. The aim of this study was to map eventual estrogen receptors in the inner ear in mouse and rat. Paraffin embedded sections of mouse and rat inner ear were immunostained with antibodies against estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Estrogen receptors alpha and beta containing cells were found in the inner ear, showing a unique distribution pattern, both in the auditory pathways and in the water/ion regulating areas. The presence of estrogen receptors indicates that estrogens may have an effect on the inner ear and hearing functions.