Abstract
The subcellular distribution of steroid hormone receptors (SHRs), estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in mitotic cells was examined using immunohistochemical techniques. ERs and PRs were localized in the uterus of mice and rats, respectively; the ovariectomized adult rodents were sacrificed 18-23hr after 17β-estradiol injection. GRs were demonstrated in the regenerating rat liver following partial hepatectomy. ERs and PRs were associated mainly with chromatin/chromosomes through all stages of the cell cycle in the uterine epithelium. Immunoreactivity was observed on the surface of mitotic chromosomes. GRs were localized exclusively in the nucleus of rat hepatocytes in interphase and were diffusely spread in the cytoplasm during mitosis, having dissociated from the chromosomes. GR immunoreactivity was recognizable frequently on the mitotic spindles. The distribution patterns of these SHRs seemed to be independent of hormonal status.
