Immunoelectron microscopic demonstration of estrogen receptors in osteogenic cells of Japanese quail.

The localization of estrogen receptors (ERs) in osteogenic cells was immunoelectron microscopically examined in the femurs of female and estrogen-treated male Japanese quail. An electron dense reaction product showing ER localization was observed in the nuclei of osteoblasts and immature osteocytes in the medullary bone of the female quail. However, reaction product was not seen in the osteoclasts. On the endosteal bone surface of male quail, nuclear reaction product was detected in bone lining cells. After 24 h of estrogen treatment, reaction product was observed in the nuclei of preosteoblasts on the endosteal bone surface. After 48 h, the medullary bone partly appeared along the endosteal surface. Nuclear reaction product was seen in osteoblasts on the medullary bone surface.