Effect of 17β-estradiol on macrophages

AIM:To analyze the effect 17β-estradiol on activated macrophages and possibility of being a target of screening drugs for endometriosis. METHODS: Using scanning electron microscope, the surface of macrophages was observed. Nitric oxide (NO) in supernatant was determined by Griess's reagent. TNF-α was measured by MTT via L929 cells. Using Fluo-3/AM, i was measured by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). RESULTS: (1) Increased size, extension of more microvilli, expression of retraction fibers and elaboration of membrane ruffles were detected in 17β-estradiol treated macrophages. (2) 17β-estradiol induced NO release from peritoneal macrophages. (3)The more TNF-α was made by macrophages under the induction of 17β-estradiol. (4)Intracellular Ca 2+ elevated 39.8% in peritoneal macrophages after 17β-estradiol (100 nmol/L) treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages were activated by 17β-estradiol at a certain concentration. Activated macrophages by 17β-estradiol may participate in endometriosis and may be a target of screening drugs for endometriosis.