Distribution of nuclear receptors for steroid hormones in the human brain: a preliminary study

Background: Expression of the nuclear steroid hormone receptors (SHR) within certain parts of the human brain has been described by many authors. However, a comprehensive analysis of SHR expression in the human brain still has not been performed. Aim: To investigate the expression of SHR in diff erent anatomical areas of the brain, especially within the neocortex. Method: Immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and androgen receptors (AR) in diff erent regions of the human brain was examined. Results: Nuclear expression of the AR was found in the mamillary body, praecentral gyrus and hippocampus of males. The same expression in analysed structures of female was not found. The expression of ER and PR was not observed. Conclusions: The analysis revealed unexpected localization of SHR within the brain cortex, which could be the fi rst step to the explanation of SHR action in brain as an interrelationship to function and behaviour. These results indicate on the possibility of SHR detection in post-mortal brain.