Correlation of alternative splicing of the D2 dopamine receptor mRNA and estrogen receptor mRNA in the prolactinomas and gonadotrope tumors

Objective Estradiol (E2) acts to modulate the ratio of two dopamine D2 receptor isoforms (D2L/D2S) by the nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) and to reduce dopamine’s inhibitory action on PRL secretion. Here we demonstrate the correlation between the expression of ER mRNA and D2R mRNA isoforms in pituitary neoplasms cells. Methods Twenty-four human pituitary adenomas (14 prolactinomas and 10 gonadotrope tumors) were examined for the expression of both ER mRNA and D2R mRNA by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Results No significant difference was found in ERβ mRNA expression levels between prolactinomas and gonadotrope tumors (P = 0.871), but there was a significant difference in the expression of ERα mRNA (P = 0.003). The significant difference was found between the two pituitary adenomas types in both levels of D2S and D2L mRNA expression (P = 0.036 and 0.007 respectively). Furthermore, both levels of expression in prolactinomas were significantly higher than that in gonadotrope tumors. Additionally, a negative correlation between D2S and ERα mRNA expression and a positive correlation between D2L and ERα mRNA expression were found in these tumors. Conclusion This study for the first time shows a good correlation between expression of ER and D2R isoforms in prolactinomas and gonadotrope tumors. Reducing the amount of the ERα in neoplasm cells can alter the ratio of D2L/D2S, which may increase the drug sensitivity of pituitary adenomas.