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Semin Reprod Med 2012; 30(01): 32-38
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1299595
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ovarian Actions of Estrogen Receptor-β: An Update

Ann E. Drummond
1   Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
,
Peter J. Fuller
1   Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 January 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Estrogen is essential for folliculogenesis with independent roles attributed to each of the two estrogen receptors (ERs). ERβ, expressed predominantly by the ovarian granulosa cells, is required for antrum formation, preovulatory follicle maturation, expression of genes involved in ovarian differentiation (luteinizing hormone, aromatase, etc.), and follicle rupture during ovulation. Ovulatory dysfunction is associated with polymorphisms of the ERβ gene, and endocrine disruptors that selectively activate ERβ cause reproductive dysfunction and impairment fertility. ERβ may also exhibit antitumorigenic properties, with a decline in ERβ levels in epithelial ovarian cancers associated with more severe disease and poor prognosis. In this review, we examine the models that have been used to elucidate the roles ERβ plays in the ovary and consider the clinical consequences of altered ERβ expression or inappropriate activation of ERβ signaling.

Keywords

ovary - estrogen - estrogen receptor - cancer - environmental estrogens