Preservation of steroid receptors in frozen brain and pituitary tissue: use of the cryoprotective agent, dimethylsulfoxide

Neil J. MacLusky, Edward J. Roy, Marya Shanabrough, Arnold J. Eisenfeld

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of freezing and thawing on steroid receptor concentrations in the brain and pituitary of the rat. Storage at -70°C for 1-2 weeks had no detectable effect on levels of cytoplasmic estrogen receptors. However, freezing and thawing resulted in measurable losses of cytoplasmic androgen, progestin and glucocorticoid receptors. Cell nuclear receptors were measured by exchange assay after in vivo administration of non-radioactive steroids. Nuclear estrogen, androgen and progestin receptor concentrations were all reduced by freezing compared to the levels in fresh tissue. In all cases except that of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors, these losses could be prevented by freezing the tissue in 10% aqueous dimethylsulfoxide.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)131-140
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1986

Keywords

  • androgen
  • brain
  • estrogen
  • freezing
  • glucocorticoid
  • pituitary
  • progestin
  • receptor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

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