Estrogen-induced proteins in rat hypothalamus.

The identification of estrogen-inducible genes in specific regions of the central nervous system (CNS) will give information about the mechanisms by which this steroid modulates nervous activity. Two-dimensional gel analysis of the proteins synthesized in vitro from mRNA isolated from control or estrogen-treated rats indicated that the levels of mRNA were increased in the estrogen-treated animals. The levels of mRNA were elevated only in those brain regions that express estrogen receptors.