Resolution of two fractions of androgen receptor from mouse kidney.

Putative androgen receptors from mouse kidney were separated and re-chromatographed on DNA-cellulose columns. With either [3H]-dihydrotestosterone or [3H]-testosterone as ligands, two major fractions of androgen receptors were obtained in both elutions from DNA-cellulose columns; these eluted, respectively, at 140-150 mM NaCl (lower-salt) and 180-190 mM NaCl (higher-salt). Therefore, the two major peaks detectable with extracts of mouse kidney result from differences that are intrinsic to the receptor complexes rather than heterogeneity of the DNA-cellulose matrix. These findings are discussed in relation to two forms of androgen receptors that exist in a different proportion in extracts of brain and in relation to other steroid receptors.