Induction of cytosolic receptors for 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the immature rat uterus by oestradiol.

The role of oestradiol-17 beta in the induction of specific cytosolic receptors for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) was examined in the immature rat uterus. An acrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis was developed to separate the specific receptor for 1,25(OH)2D3 from the plasma binding protein for vitamin D3 metabolites. Employing this sensitive method the presence of receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 in the mature rat uterus was evident. Such receptors were not found in the uterus of saline-treated immature rats. However, oestradiol administration caused an induction of these receptors in the immature rat uterus, together with a significant increase in the uterine weight, progesterone receptor level and peroxidase activity. These results suggest a mechanism for oestradiol regulation of calcium metabolism in the uterus at times of high demand for this cation during the gestation period.