Autoradiographic demonstration of uptake and retention of 3H-estradiol after in vitro incubation.

An in vitro incubation method is described for the demonstration of 3H-estradiol in sections of mouse uterus by thaw-mount autoradiography. The method involves the incubation of tissue sections in 5 nM 3H-estradiol with a subsequent 2 hr chase in medium containing 3.5 g% bovine serum albumin. The distribution of the silver grains observed compares favorably to that seen by others with dry-mount autoradiography after in vivo injection. The labeling is inhibited by excess estradiol or diethylstilbesterol, but not by progesterone or hydrocortisone. Its subcellular distribution appears predominantly nuclear in presumptive target cells. Some regional variability in degree of labeling is present throughout the sections, but is far less marked within a given area. Because the observed labeling has been retained during a 2 hr chase and can be inhibited, it is likely to represent physiologically significant uptake and retention of 3H-estradiol in target cells. Preliminary results with human mammary carcinoma suggest this method may be applicable to the investigation of estrogen target cells in human tissue.