Immunocytochemical localization of oestrogen receptors in perichondrium of antlers in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Abstract

Remodelling of cancellous bone of antlers to compact bone can be stimulated by administra-tion of oestrogens and previous work has demonstrated the presence of specific oestrogen binding in this tissue. In this study the presence of oestrogen receptors (ER) in antler tissue from red deer males was exam-ined by immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal mouse anti-human ER serum. Strong positive staining was detected in the tip regions of immature antlers and was confined primarily to the cells forming a fibrous layer of the perichondrium. This finding indicates that the effects of oestrogens on remodelling of cancel-lous bone of the antler may be mediated indirectly by the surrounding connective tissue layers.