DNA-binding ability and partial purification of the cytoplasmic estrogen receptor from chicken oviduct.

1. Large chicken oviducts containing an optimal amount of the cytoplasmic estrogen receptor can be obtained by the application and short-term withdrawal of diethylstilbestrol implants to chickens. 2. The cytoplasmic estrogen-receptor complex from chicken oviduct is able to bind to DNA. The efficiency of the binding (maximal 60%) is dependent on the temperature and the presence of the hormone. 3. The estrogen-receptor complex eluted from the DNA-cellulose by high salt is different from that of untreated cytosol. The observed increase in sedimentation coefficient, molecular weight and asymmetry of the receptor molecule resembles the 'transformation' of the estrogen-receptor complex from rat uterus. 4. Using DNA-cellulose and agarose gel chromatography, the cytoplasmic estrogen-receptor complex from chicken oviduct can be purified 4000-fold.